Fights to Make After UFC Freedom 250

After an historic event for the Ultimate Fighting Championship that witnessed Justin Gaethje attain the luxurious undisputed Lightweight Championship that had alluded "The Highlight" for his near 9-year UFC career, we take a look forward with the fights to make after UFC Freedom 250. 

Fights to Make After UFC Freedom 250: Justin Gaethje vs. Arman Tsarukyan

Arman Tsarukyan is the clear cut #1 contender in the lightweight division, however ever since he had to pull out of the UFC 311 main event, he's been in the UFC's dog house. Sporting a 5-fight win streak, which includes wins over Charles Oliviera and Dan Hooker, Tsarukyan is a fresh matchup in the log-jam that is the top of the UFC lightweight division. 

Certainly there is an argument to be made for an Ilia Topuria rematch for Gaethje's first title defense, especially after Topuria seemingly was close to a 2nd round stoppage last night, but a matchup with Tsarukyan is better suited for the UFC's timetable. Topuria's injuries will likely keep him out of the octagon until early 2027. 

Fights to Make After UFC Freedom 250: Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane II

Ciryl Gane reminded everyone how elite of a striker he is when he spoiled Alex Periera's chance at becoming a 3-division champion. He re-captured the UFC Interim Heavyweight Championship and a unification with champion Tom Aspinall is imminent. Their matchup at UFC 321 last October ended in a no-contest after an accidental eye poke to the champion. 

It's unlikely this fight will headline UFC's return to Paris in September due to it being a Fight Night event, however it could potentially be the main event at Madison Square Garden in November. 

Fights to Make After UFC Freedom 250: Sean O'Malley vs. Cory Sandhagen/Mario Bautista Winner

There should be no surprise if Sean O'Malley is next for UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan. With the uncertaintity of Merab Dvalishvili's nose injury, coupled with O'Malley not receiving much damage in his fight at UFC Freedom 250 over Aiemann Zahabi, both have a claim for the next title opportunity. If O'Malley has to wait, a true #1 contender's bout against the winner of Sandhagen and Bautista at UFC 329 will be an excellent fresh matchup in the 135lb division. 

Fights to Make After UFC Freedom 250: Josh Hokit vs. Alexander Volkov

We didn't learn much of anything that we didn't already know with Hokit following his second-round TKO victory over Derrick Lewis. His ascension through the heavyweight division has been swift and there's still a lot of questions surrounding his ability with the elite heavyweights.

Volkov is on the outside looking in with a heavyweight unification incoming this fall, this matchup between top-5 solidifies the next title challenger. 

Fights to Make After UFC Freedom 250: Mauricio Ruffy vs. Mateusz Gamrot

Ruffy is currently ranked #9, while Gamrot sits at #7. With the majority of the top-10 already booked, this is a stylistic matchup that will propel the winner in to title contention. Ruffy has finished his last two opponents and Gamrot is coming off of a submission victory over Esteban Ribovics last April. 

Fights to Make After UFC Freedom 250: Bo Nickal vs. Ikram Aliskerov/ Bruno Ferreira Winner

The Penn State National Champion dominated Kyle Daukaus and is looking to finally crack in to the top 15 rankings. Ikram Aliskerov and Bruno Ferreria square off on June 27th at UFC Fight Night Fiziev vs. Torres. The timing matches up perfectly as Nickal continues to progress through the middleweight division. 

Fights to Make After UFC Freedom 250: Diego Lopes vs. Yair Rodriguez

Diego Lopes bounced back in the win column after a 2nd Rd TKO over Steve Garcia to open up UFC Freedom 250. The former title challenger headlined the UFC Noche event last September against Jean Silva and possibly could do it again this year against fellow mexican, Yair Rodriguez. The two have history and both fell short in their opportunities with champion Alexander Volkanovski.