What's next for fighters who came up short at UFC 307?

Val Dewar

What's next for fighters who came up short at UFC 307? image

© Jason Silva-Imagn Images

Jose Aldo, the King of Rio.

Khalil Rountree Jr

Rountree gave Alex Pereira his hardest light-heavyweight title defense to date at UFC 307 but came up short when he was stopped in the fourth round while up 2-1 on the scorecards.

Some said before that Khalil did not deserve such a leap in competition, but now it makes perfect sense for him to fight fellow former title challenger Jamahal Hill, who Rountree was scheduled to fight recently before Hill got injured and Khalil got promoted to the title fight.

Rountree's Next Fight: vs Jamahal Hill

 

Raquel Pennington

Though many though 'Rocky' deserved the decision over rival Julianna Pena on Saturday, her loss is not to be avenged yet, as Kayla Harrison is in line for a title shot. 

The #1 ranked women's bantamweight contender should instead fight #3 Ketlen Vieira, who also was defeated at UFC 307, by the aforementioned Harrison.

The winner may still find her way to a title fight soon.

Pennington's Next Fight: vs Ketlen Vieira

 

Jose Aldo

The GOAT's defeat to Mario Bautista was another controversial decision aty UFC 307, but it now paves the way for a golden oppoorunity.

With two of the only WEC legends left today in the sport still active and in the same division, there is no better time for Jose Aldo vs Dominick Cruz.

This fight would draw the eyes of fans around the globe as two of the greatest fighters of two neighboring weight classes face off in a post-prime legends match.

Aldo's Next Fight: vs Dominick Cruz

 

Other Notable Fighters

Kevin Holland vs Roman Dolidze 2: As stated in the winners article, Kevin Holland should rematch Roman Dolidze after his defeat due to injury at UFC 307.

Ketlen Vieira vs Raquel Pennington: See Above

Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson vs Michael 'Venom' Page: With both men coming off losses and looking to be past their best, now is the time to make this match of famous, flashy karatekas-turned-mixed martial artists.

Val Dewar

Val Dewar Photo

Val was initiated into Steelers Nation from the moment he was born — his first memory is a game vs. New England from when "Slash" was QB — and doing sports writing has always been a dream career for him. In 2022 he broke into the industry by writing about combat sports for Cageside Press, and now has the opportunity to continue that work with TSN as an MMA writer, as well as get his feet wet on the Steelers beat.