Matches To Make After UFC 307

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UFC 307 went down last night (Sat., Oct. 5, 2024) inside Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, which saw Alex Pereira defend his Light Heavyweight title by knocking out Khalil Rountree in the very first round (see it again here). In the co-main event, Julianna Pena reclaimed the women’s Bantamweight belt with a smothering and dominant win over Raquel Pennington, who couldn’t secure her first-ever title defense.

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Winner: Alex Pereira

Who He Should Face Next: Ankalaev vs. Rakic winner

This one is a no-brainer. Dana White has already stated that Ankalaev would get the title shot if he wins later this month at UFC 308 against Alesandar Rakic, but there is no way the promotion won’t give Rakic the shot if he comes out on top. It’s only fair. After all, who else are you going to give it to: Jan Blachowicz? Jamahal Hill? The logical choice would be to give the title shot to either Ankalaev or Rakic, and don’t be too surprised if it goes down at UFC 310 at the end of the year. Then again, “Poatan” is looking to take a break seeing as how his body has taken a toll as a result of the frequent fight camps.

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Winner: Julianna Pena

Who She Should Face Next: Kayla Harrison

This is another title fight that books itself because Harrison has more than earned her shot after winning her first two fights inside the Octagon against Holly Holm in her debut and the against Ketlen Vieira (No. 2) last night. The two ladies have wasted zero time in getting on each other nerves, as the two ladies were spending more time trash talking each other during the lead-up to this fight against one another instead of their respective foes. This one is going to be good. We hope.

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Winner: Mario Bautista

Who He Should Face Next: Song Yadong

The ageless wonder that is Jose Aldo once again proved that he can still compete at a high level, but came up on the wrong side of a split-decision defeating against Mario Bautista, who will likely crack the Top 10 after securing his seventh straight win under the UFC banner. Up next, perhaps a fight against Yadong is in order for Bautista. Ranked No. 8 at the moment, Yadong is coming off a tough unanimous decision defeat at the hands of former 135-pound champion, Petr Yan, earlier this year. Prior to the loss, Yadong had won five of his last six fights. While it’s not ideal that he is coming off a loss and Bautista has won seven straight, it might be the fight matchmakers will be eying.

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Winner: Roman Dolidze

Who He Should Face Next: Chimaev vs Whittaker loser

After defeating Kevin Holland via technical knockout (rib injury), Dolidze was quick to call for a fight against Khamzat Chimaev or Robert Whittaker, who throw down later this month at UFC 308. Unfortunately for him, it won’t be whoever wins that fight because that person will be on the fast track to a title shot. Instead, I wouldn’t be too surprised if the promotion books him against the loser. And that would still be a good measuring stick for Dolidze, who can jump into the Top 5 if he defeats either of those men.

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Winner: Kayla Harrison

Who She Should Face Next: Title shot against Pena

After going two for two in her first pair of fights inside the Octagon, Harrison will earn the No. 2 ranking come next week, which will be good enough to earn her a title fight against Pena, who won in the main event. Harrison has the chance to make history and add to her mantle of combat accomplishments. More importantly, she has the chance to silence the remaining doubters who panned her for spending the majority of her MMA career fighting under the PFL banner.

For complete UFC 307 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.