Jamahal Hill is the undisputed UFC mild heavyweight champion, however the shadow of Jiri Prochazka looms over him. There are many worthwhile fights to contemplate within the aftermath of UFC 283, together with Hill vs. Prochazka.
Hill was one thing of an unproven commodity when he was abruptly inserted into the title image at 205 kilos. Hill’s worthiness can’t be denied following a thrashing of Glover Teixeira in the principle occasion of UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Saturday night time. If Prochazka is on observe together with his harm restoration, the 2 could possibly be on a collision course this summer time.
The conclusion of a one-of-a-kind quadrilogy between Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo breathes new life into two divisions. Moreno defeated Figueiredo to assert the collection, clearing the way in which for brand spanking new challengers. Figueiredo introduced plans to maneuver to the bantamweight division and has populated the multiverse with many new matchups as consequence.
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Let’s check out the very best fights to make within the aftermath of UFC 283.
Light heavyweight division
UFC mild heavyweight championship — Jamahal Hill (c) vs. Jiri Prochazka: Hill confirmed a variety of progress in a fully dominant efficiency towards Teixeira. Hill fended off greater than a dozen of Teixeira’s takedowns, managed his stamina by means of 5 rounds and beat the previous champion to a pulp. Hill is now the undisputed UFC mild heavyweight champion, however many will view his time on the throne as a seat hotter for the division’s true king. Prochazka relinquished the title in December attributable to harm and hopes to return round June. The UFC might resolve to guide Hill in a title battle earlier than Prochazka is healed, however the division is brief on contenders. Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz seem to have fallen out of favor with UFC president Dana White after their snoozer final month. Meanwhile, Aleksandar Rakic and Anthony Smith want extra high-profile wins. It’s finest to attend for Hill vs. Prochazka.
Flyweight division
UFC flyweight championship — Brandon Moreno (c) vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2: It took 4 fights, however Moreno can lastly put Figueiredo within the rearview mirror and look forward to new challenges. Ironically, Moreno’s future is a ghost from his previous. Pantoja is at the moment ranked No. 2 within the division with consecutive wins over Alex Perez, Brandon Royval and Manel Kape. The two beforehand fought in 2018 with Pantoja selecting up a lopsided unanimous choice. Moreno was launched by the UFC after that battle and returned to kickstart a run that led him to his first world title. Pantoja additionally defeated Moreno through submission in an exhibition bout on “The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions.” Both fighters have developed tremendously. It’s a comparatively recent matchup for the division and has a built-in story of revenge for the reigning champ.
Bantamweight division
Deiveson Figueiredo vs. loser of Cory Sandhagen vs. Marlon Vera: Figueiredo was such a dominant pressure at flyweight that he ought to face a prime 15 opponent upon his arrival to the bantamweight division. The prime finish of the division is wholesome sufficient that it does not want Figueiredo instantly within the title combine. February’s Fight Night headliner between Sandhagen and Vera might produce the right first problem for Figueiredo at 135 kilos. Whoever loses the battle can both bounce again with a win over Figueiredo or function a launching pad for the previous flyweight champion. It additionally strikes the correct steadiness of title worth and competitors. Plus, each ought to produce fireworks.
Welterweight division
Gilbert Burns vs. Belal Muhammad: Burns passionately referred to as out Colby Covington after defeating Neil Magny, however I do not assume the UFC will give it to him. The promotion ought to push for a battle between Covington and Khamzat Chimaev as quickly as potential. Chimaev is prepared for the UFC welterweight title however should present that he could make championship weight after grossly lacking weight in a nixed battle with Nate Diaz. Muhammad and Burns are ranked No. 4 and No. 5 within the welterweight division, respectively. Muhammad is firing on all cylinders after stopping Sean Brady and deserves a top-five opponent. Muhammad is an applicable acceleration of problem for Burns after operating by means of Magny following losses to Kamaru Usman and Chimaev. Burns and Muhammad are improbable wrestlers who aren’t afraid to commerce pictures and it might make for a enjoyable battle.
