As the dust had settled from an incredible night of fights in Sydney for UFC 293, the inevitable question arises on what’s next for our victors? Below are my suggestions for the matchup for each victorious fighter on the main card. Matchups that I believe deliver exciting fights and makes sense for the career progression of these fighters.

Tyson Pedro VS Alonzo Menifield

As Tyson Pedro seems to have settled into his return since his time away due to injury, he continued his history of being a prolific finisher, quickly putting away Anton Turkalj early in the first. A matchup with Alonzo Menifield would deliver an action-packed explosive fight that would keep fans on the edge of their seats. Alonzo would also be, in my opinion, a natural step up in competition following Pedro’s performance. With Alonzo recently gaining a victory over another Australian fighter, Jimmy Crute, there could be some unique angles in the promotion of this fight.

Justin Tafa VS Marcus Rogério de Lima

With Tafa gaining a dominant knockout over fellow heavyweight Austen Lane, alongside a now three fight knockout streak, it is likely the UFC will push this heavyweight contender far in his next fight. With the excitement at heavyweight that any one shot can change the dynamic of the fight, a matchup with a known and experienced Rogério de Lima presents a unique challenge for both men. For Tafa, an experienced high level fighter in Rogério de Lima and a rising contender with a lot of momentum that, if taken, could quickly see you inserted into higher profile fights.

Manel Kape VS Kai Kara France

This one is a relative no brainer. With Manel Kape’s show stealing moment at the UFC 293 press conference this fight makes the most sense for both men. For Kai it offers a chance to get back in the winning column over an experienced and rising contender in Manel Kape, who is currently enjoying some high-profile attention. For Kape, it offers the chance to close out a rivalry and secure a dominant victory over a known, popular, and highly skilled opponent in Kai. A victory for either man could quickly see them inserted into a title contender bout.

Sergey Spivak VS Alexander Volkov

The landscape at heavyweight is slightly more complex. With top contenders in Aspinall and Sergei seemingly due for high profile matchups and with many in the heavyweight division currently booked, for Volkov a fight with Sergey Spivak would provide a unique opportunity. Coming off a loss to perennial contender Cyril Gane, the fight provides the fans a classic striker versus grappler matchup alongside providing a winnable fight for both men to reinsert themselves into the conversation at heavyweight.

Sean Strickland VS Jared Cannonier

What is next for the new middleweight champion? While the most likely move the UFC will make will be the immediate rematch with former champion Israel Adesanya, the division and Israel, could benefit from an alternative matchup. In my opinion, the Jarrod Cannonier fight provides the opportunity for Sean to gain a victory over a former opponent who holds an incredibly close victory over him as well as silencing one of the long-time contenders in the division. It also allows Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya to have a high-profile grudge match, allowing for the “order” as it were at the top of the division to be clearly established with these two fights. For Jared, it allows him a second opportunity at the belt as well as the chance to gain a dominant win, overshadowing the controversial and close decision victory he holds over the new champion.