Monday Matchmaker: UFC Saudi Arabia

UFC Saudi Arabia

UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia left fans stunned with major upsets, highlight-reel finishes, and significant title implications. Nasardine Imavov’s spectacular knockout win over Israel Adesanya and other key performances have reshaped several divisions.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the next fights that should be made based on these results.

Nassourdine Imavov

• Caio Borralho

Nassourdine Imavov made a seismic statement by knocking out Israel Adesanya, solidifying himself as one of the top threats in the middleweight division. However, despite his triumph, the path to a title shot is blocked for now. Reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis is already scheduled to defend his belt against Sean Strickland, leaving Imavov to continue proving his worth.

The most logical next fight is against Caio Borralho. Borralho, a highly touted middleweight prospect, brings a tricky, well-rounded game that could test Imavov’s momentum. And to be honest, it’s unfair to Imavov. He now holds three consecutive wins over top UFC middleweights in Jared Cannonier, Brendan Allen, and Adesanya. However, Khamzat Chimaev has already secured the next title shot after finishing Robert Whittaker in the first round.

Remember: this is an entertainment business, and fans want to see Khamzat Chimaev finally fight for the title.

2. Israel Adesanya

• Sean Strickland

Israel Adesanya’s devastating loss to Imavov has thrown his career trajectory into question. However, Adesanya remains a major UFC star, and the promotion is unlikely to let him fade into obscurity. He also doesn’t appear to be considering retirement. If Sean Strickland loses to Du Plessis, the UFC may push for a rematch between Strickland and Adesanya.

The story writes itself: Adesanya seeking redemption against the man who dethroned him. With both fighters potentially coming off losses, this bout could be promoted as a high-stakes, pay-per-view co-main event. Adesanya’s previous accomplishments, including multiple title defenses, ensure that he’ll stay ranked near the top of the division despite his recent setbacks.

3. Michael “Venom” Page

• Geoff Neal

Michael “Venom” Page turned heads with his dominant performance against Shara Magomedov, but his decision to return to welterweight has forced the UFC to adjust their plans. Originally, the UFC may have envisioned MVP as a contender at middleweight, but now he’ll need a credible opponent at 170 pounds.

Geoff Neal is the perfect candidate for this challenge. Neal, known for his toughness and striking prowess, would offer MVP a serious test. Conversely, a victory for MVP could quickly catapult him into the welterweight top 10, setting him up for even bigger fights later in the year. Given Page’s flashy style and Neal’s reputation for brawling, this could be a show-stealing fight on any major card.

4. Shara “Bullet” Magomedov

• Roman Kopylov

The ideal opponents for Shara Magomedov would be Michel Pereira or Kevin Holland, but both fighters already have bouts scheduled. As a result, the UFC will need to look elsewhere.

Since Shara can’t move up in the rankings after his loss to MVP, a fight against Roman Kopylov makes sense. Both men are at similar stages of their careers, and a win here would help Shara rebuild his momentum.

5. Sergei Pavlovich

• Ciryl Gane

Heavyweight powerhouse Sergei Pavlovich needs a meaningful opponent following his victory over Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Although Ciryl Gane also won his last fight, neither fighter looked particularly impressive in their performances.

This matchup gives both men an opportunity to regain fan support by delivering a highlight finish. A fight between Pavlovich and Gane could headline a Fight Night card and provide clarity in the heavyweight title picture.

6.Fares Ziam

• Benoit Saint Denis

Both Benoit Saint Denis and Fares Ziam have built momentum, making this an ideal matchup for the next UFC event in Paris. Saint Denis’ relentless aggression would be a serious test for Ziam’s technical striking, creating an intriguing stylistic clash.

With both fighters representing France, this bout would serve as a co-main event on a Fight Night card and help elevate their profiles in front of a passionate home crowd.

7. Vinicius Oliveira

• Kyler Phillips

Vinicius Oliveira earned a big win over Said Nurmagomedov and called for another Nurmagomedov opponent. While that callout may not materialize, a fight against Kyler Phillips offers a fast-paced stylistic matchup that could steal the show on any card.

A win here would push Oliveira closer to the bantamweight top 10, putting him on the radar for higher-profile matchups in the near future.

8. Shamil Gaziev

• Tai Tuivasa

Shamil Gaziev’s brutal knockout win at UFC Fight Night has put him on the radar for a potential showdown with fan favorite Tai Tuivasa. Both heavyweights are known for their knockout power, and this bout would surely deliver fireworks.

Tuivasa is likely to return around mid-year, making this fight a strong candidate for International Fight Week. Gaziev would get the chance to cement his name by taking on a proven veteran like Tuivasa in a high-profile fight.

9. Terrance McKinney

• Charlie Campbell

Terrance McKinney bounced back with a dominant win and is now eyeing Charlie Campbell, a rising name in the lightweight division. This bout could be a perfect main card opener on a Fight Night event or headline the early prelims of a pay-per-view card.

Both McKinney and Campbell are known for their aggressive, all-action styles, which promise a high-octane clash that fans won’t want to miss.

Want to know more about each event? Visit homeoffight.com or any of our social media accounts for more articles, fighter interviews, and plenty of more coverage. Enjoy the fights, let us know how you’ll be watching!