written by: Cam Bennett
Ilia Topuria vs Shane Burgos
Ilia Topuria was able to not only tame the “Wizard,” but disconnect him from consciousness. Ryan Hall is a dangerous puzzle to try and solve, but Topuria did phenomenally well doing so. Topuria navigated Hall’s attempted rolls into leg entanglements and secured the Tko at the end of the 1st round. Topuria is a very dangerous prospect who is 11-0, with 10 of those wins being by finish. He is a man I would like to see get a crack at the top 15 with a fight against Shane Burgos, who is #14 in the division. This would be an absolute banger of a fight with two guys that will be hunting for the finish at all times.
Sean O’Malley vs Ricky Simon
The Suga Show was in the building and kicking off the UFC 264 main card with a banger of a fight with the game, short notice Kris Moutinho. O’Malley secured a last stoppage win and landed 230 strikes over the 3-round affair. Sean seemed to struggle with the pressure a little later in the fight and started to tire just a hair. I would like to see another fight with an opponent that will put the pressure moving forward as well; enter Ricky Simon. Simon seemed as an option for a late replacement for Sean on the card, but it didn’t line up. Why not set that fight a few months down the road, I don’t see why not.
Irene Aldana vs Germaine de Randamie
Aldana looked absolutely phenomenal in her fight with Yana Kunitskaya with some very crisp boxing. The lead hook sat Yana down and follow up shots wrapped up the show a little bit later. With how Nunes has cleaned out the division almost, there are a few people left that have not faced the Women’s GOAT, and one of them is Aldana. I think a matchup with Randamie would be the clincher for a title shot against Nunes if Aldana could get it done.
Gilbert Burns vs Winner of Vincente Luque/Michael Chiesa
Gilbert Burns was able to bounce back from his title fight loss against Usman by besting Stephen Thompson. Burns really sealed the deal by landing the takedowns and that was the deciding factor. As it seems to play out, Leon Edwards and Colby Covington will be waiting for their title shots, and with one win after a title loss, Gilbert will have to set up a couple more wins together. Luque vs Chiesa is happening August 7thand both would be a very interesting matchup for Gilbert to see who takes another step closer into the title picture.
Dustin Poirier vs Charles Oliveira
Well, after a furious start into the first round, the trilogy finished in an odd manner. Conor got back to his feet only to break his ankle off of throwing a left hand. After the trilogy, there’s only step next for Dustin Poirier should be the champ Charles Olivera. These two are warriors at heart and it will guarantee nothing but fireworks in a banger of a 155 pound title fight.
