UFC Vegas 29 is now one for the books and we look ahead as to what could be next for those involved. In the main event, Chan Sung Jung dominated Dan Ige to a unanimous decision victory, solidifying his place in the featherweight top five. Elsewhere, Sergey Spivak outpointed Alexey Oleynik in an ugly heavyweight clash in the UFC Vegas 29 co-main event.
The highlights were the performances of Casey O’Neill and Matt Brown. Marlon Vera and Davey Grant had a war of a rematch which Vera came out on top, winning a unanimous decision.
UFC Vegas 29 – Post Fight Matchmaker
Chan Sung Jung
‘The Korean Zombie’ progressed to 17-6 at UFC Vegas 29. In a dominant victory, he has now got himself back in the win column following a loss to Brian Ortega prior to this bout. Although he called out Max Holloway in his post fight interview, we doubt this one will go ahead.
We think Jung should be matched up against Calvin Kattar. Both men are outside of the title picture, but very much on the brink. Ranked #4 and #5 respectively, this one makes a lot of sense. It could for sure be a PPV co-main event or a fight night headliner and the winner would position themselves in a much better position with regards to a title shot.
Dan Ige
Jung had too much for Ige at UFC Vegas 29 and unfortunately for ’50K’ he’s dropped to 1-2 in his last three and 0-2 in main event slots. He certainly has the skills to cut it at the top level, however, he has some way to go until he can mix with the divisions elite.
After losing to Kattar, Ige fought Gavin Tucker. Yes, Tucker is a solid competitor, but he’s also a massive step down in competition. Ige can’t do this again. His next bout needs to be someone still in the top 15. Our pick is Sodiq Yusuff. Yusuff is coming off a loss to Arnold Allen in his last bout and is looking to bounce back. Ranked #11, it’s a step back for Ige, but Yusuff is still a ranked, live oppoent.
Marlon Vera
‘Chito’ Vera bounced back form his loss to Jose Aldo with a victory over the in-form Davey Grant. In a war, Vera was able to largely get the better of Grant wherever the fight took place. At the time of writing, Vera is ranked #15 but will potentially climb slightly in the rankings.
His next opponent needs to be either a ranked opponent or an up and comer. The two options are firstly, Frankie Edgar. Edgar is coming off a loss to Cory Sandhagen last time out. A lot of the top 15 are booked up so the Edgar fight makes sense. For Edgar, Vera is a name and allows him to get back in the win column should the outcome go his way. For Vera, Edgar is a veteran and a win over him is always going to be beneficial.
The up and comer could be Jack Shore. Shore is 13-0 and undefeated in the UFC. He deserves a ranked opponent next and Vera could be that name.
Matt Brown
Despite seemingly being down on the scorecards, Matt Brown knocked out Dhiego Lima with a tight straight right. One punch KO for ‘The Immortal’. What’s next? Let’s be honest, Brown has no real title aspirations at 40 years old. Fun fights only for Brown. Mike Perry, Alex Oliveira or Court McGee all make sense, especially the McGee fight. The two are in a similar position within their careers. McGee won his last one having dropped his previous three. Brown is 2-2 since his return. Book it.
Casey O’Neill
‘King’ Casey O’Neill progressed to 2-0 with two finishes in her UFC career after winning in the opening fight at UFC Vegas 29. She still looks raw on the feet, seemingly being outmatched in both of her bouts when it has been stood up. With that being said, her ground game is elite. On Saturday she submitted a black belt, showing just how dangerous she is. She was unlucky not to receive a bonus for her efforts in Vegas.
Her next bout should be against a renowned opponent. Ariane Lipski has been twice exposed on the ground but is absolutely solid on the feet. This could be an interestinf match-up. With that being said, if the UFC want to build O’Neill up, they could match her with Courtney Casey, who sits at 9-9 in her pro career and has lost her last two. The most likely outcome is Luana Carolina. Although she isn’t a well-known name, she’s at a similar point in her UFC career as the Scot. 2-1 thus far, it makes a lot of sense.
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