Five Best Fights To Make After UFC 218

UFC 218, which took place last night live on pay-per-view (PPV) from the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, was being billed as one the best cards of the year, and it certainly delivered on that lofty promise.

In the main event, featherweight champion Max Holloway defended his 145-pound title for the first time in a rematch against Jose Aldo, scoring a third-round TKO victory over the Brazilian great. In the co-main event, rising heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou violently knocked out veteran Alistair Overeem.

Also on the main card, Eddie Alvarez finished Justin Gaethje in an instant classic, while Henry Cejudo outpointed Sergio Pettis in a flyweight contest.

With the event now in the rearview mirror, let’s take a look at five fights to make moving forward:

Max Holloway vs. Frankie Edgar

Originally, Max Holloway was scheduled to defend his title at UFC 218 against former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, but “The Answer” was forced to withdraw just a few weeks out from the event with a facial injury.

Given Holloway’s second victory over Aldo and the fact that he’s essentially cleaned out the division, a bout between him and Edgar still makes the most sense.

Edgar has won back-to-back fights and seven of his last eight. Given his slick boxing, incredible cardio and strong wrestling background, he may be able to present “Blessed” with a legitimate challenge.

Stipe Miocic vs. Francis Ngannou

It’s safe to say that Francis Ngannou is no longer a prospect after brutally knocking out Alistair Overeem in the first round of their UFC 218 co-main event as he’s now won six-straight UFC bouts, with all six victories ending with a finish.

Heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic is expected to return to action early next year, and Ngannou should be next in line to challenge him for the strap.

Ngannou’s freakish power and improving skill set would likely provide an intriguing stylistic match-up for the fast and athletic champion Miocic.

Eddie Alvarez vs. Dustin Poirier

In a firefight for the ages, Eddie Alvarez absorbed a plethora of damage but stuck in the fight and ended up finishing Justin Gaethje in the third round with a vicious knee. Although he’ll likely be out of action for some time, Alvarez should be booked in a rematch with Dustin Poirier when he returns.

The two first met at UFC 211 last May in an entertaining fight that ended in controversial fashion when Alvarez landed an illegal knee. It was then ruled a no contest for some reason by referee Herb Dean.

Poirier bounced back with a win of his own over Anthony Pettis last month, and it’s clear that he and Alvarez are legitimate contenders. With the lightweight title picture currently unclear, this is the best fight to make.

Justin Gaethje vs. Kevin Lee

Although Justin Gaethje suffered his first professional loss last night, his stock likely won’t fall too much given how entertaining the fight was and how entertaining of a fighter he is.

Moving forward, a bout against No. 8-ranked Kevin Lee could make sense.

Lee is coming off of submission loss to interim titleholder Tony Ferguson, but prior to that, he had won five consecutive fights. He’s an entertaining personality and a talented fighter and if he wants to stay at 155 pounds, he could remain a contender.

With both men coming off losses, this would be a good chance for both Gaethje and Lee to get back on track.

Henry Cejudo vs. Joseph Benavidez

Longtime top contender and multi-time flyweight title challenger Joseph Benavidez hasn’t competed since December 2016 due to a serious knee injury, but if he returns to full health in the near future, a rematch with Cejudo should be in the cards.

The two first met in a five round fight that ended in a split-decision victory for Benavidez. Many, including Cejudo, however, felt as if “The Messenger” had won the fight.

With dominant pound-for-pound great Demetrious Johnson possibly taking on TJ Dillashaw next, Cejudo and Benavidez should run it back to determine the next title challenger.