UFC 316 – Matchmaking the Exciting Main Card

His next fight writes itself. Cory Sandhagen is 4-1 in his last five, only losing to Umar Nurmagomedov in a title eliminator. He’s got a style that Merab hasn’t seen before and will ask the champ questions. Book it for later in the year.

Sean O’Malley vs Umar Nurmagomedov

0-2 against Dvalishvili. 0-1 against Dvalishvili. It makes sense, right? O’Malley needs to rebuild after suffering two losses, the second more devastating than the first. He needs to improve if he is to return to the title picture any time soon. Nurmagomedov also needs to bounce back from a loss to the champ. What better way to do that than to face the former champion and the man who has just competed for the belt? This could be fun, however, Dana White is likely to look further down the division for Suga next.

Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes

Need we say more? Kayla Harrison dominated Julianna Pena to a third-round submission at UFC 316, putting her in the conversation for the greatest female combat sports athlete of all time. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and new UFC bantamweight champion put a beating on the former champion and set her sights on Nunes. The GWOAT, Nunes, confirmed that she would be coming out of retirement and will be looking to compete for the first time since June 2023.

This is the fight to make and expect it in early 2026.

Julianna Pena vs Norma Dumont

Julianna Pena proved at UFC 316 that she isn’t worthy of a place at the top table. No one can deny that she’s got grit, determination and becoming a two-time champion isn’t easy. However, the elite of the division have played with her when they have had the chance.

No one is interested in a Raquel Pennington rematch. Ketlen Vieira vs Pena could be a painful watch. Norma Dumont is 8-2 in her UFC career and is currently enjoying a five fight undefeated run. It makes sense and with a win, the Brazilian could force her way into the title picture.

Joe Pyfer vs Abus Magomedov

Joe Pyfer will be a tough one to match next. He isn’t currently ranked and those ranked #14-8 are all booked. #15 Abus Magomedov is the only man who isn’t booked, ranked and not near the top of the division. There’s little upside to fighting Pyfer. He’s tough, hits hard and isn’t a huge name. With that being said, unless Magomedov faces Jared Cannonier next, he’ll like meet Pyfer after his UFC 316 win.

Kelvin Gastelum vs Who Cares

With respect, who cares who Kelvin Gastelum faces next? He’s 3-7 since his hall of fame fight with Israel Adesanya back in 2019 and hasn’t looked good in any of his wins. He hasn’t finished a fight since Michael Bisping took him on at very short notice in 2017. He hasn’t put back to back finish victories together since before his UFC days (2012 for those wondering). He’s stuck between welterweight and middleweight and frankly, is no longer a big enough name to make the main card.

Maybe book him in a wild rematch with Israel Adesanya and just hope and pray that they produce a barnburner like they did beforehand… it’s unlikely though.

Mario Bautista vs Marlon Vera

Mario Bautista put on one of the more suprising, eye catching performances at UFC 316. He risked it all, taking on an unranked debutant in Patchy Mix, however, showed the former Bellator champion that there are levels to this game and that UFC veteran, Bautista is on a different level. Extending his winning run to eight, Bautista needs a big fight next.

At UFC 316 he was originally scheduled to face Marlon Vera, however, Vera had to withdraw. Rebook that one, because it will defaintely be fun.

Patchy Mix vs Cody Garbrandt

Mix put in one of the most underwhelming performances in recent memory from a newcomer who entered with such hype. He talked a big game and those in the know were extremely excited to see him finally make it and pull on the UFC gloves. His lack of defensive awareness shocked many, however, as he cruised to a unanimous decision loss.

Next should be Cody Garbrandt. Although No Love has a fight this weekend, regardless of the result, the UFC should book him vs Mix next. It would be fun, exciting on the feet and a good test for both men if it hits the floor. All the pressure would be on Mix to finally pick up a UFC win. Dana, BOOK IT!

Kevin Holland vs Carlos Prates

Kevin Holland put in one of the performances of his career at UFC 316, tapping out Vicente Luque in the second round. With this win, he extended his welterweight winning run to two straight and during his post-fight interview, he promised he would stick around at 170lbs.

Although he called out Colby Covington, Carlos Prates would be much more entertaining. Both men love to strike, a fans dream. Covington won’t take the fight. Prates needs a win after losing in a disappointing fashion last time out and Holland would provide a name, an opportunity and a fan-friendly fight. Book it for a main event.

Vicente Luque vs Mike Malott

Although Luque lost at UFC 316, his stock didn’t drop. He’s never going to be a champion and is highly unlikely to reach the top 10 again. He does, however, always put on entertaining fights.

Mike Malott is still on the comeback trail after losing to Neil Magny in 2024; however, he has gone 2-0 since then. He’s on the cusp of a rankings spot, but needs that well-established name on his record, and Luque could provide him that. It’s an exciting fight between two guys who always come to fight. Let’s see it.