UFC Vegas 20: Matchmaking for Main Card Losers

Overtime Heroics Editorial

938 days ago

UFC Vegas 20 may not have been full of finishes but there was still no short of action with Pedro Munhoz vs Jimmie Rivera and Mayra Bueno Silva vs Montana Del La Rosa proving to be entertaining affairs. We also saw Ciryl Gane showcase his talent in the main event as he strolled to victory over Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Here are our thoughts on what the future might hold for Rozenstruik and the rest of the main card losers of UFC Vegas 20.

Matchmaking for UFC Vegas 20 Main Card Losers

Jairzinho Rozenstruik

Gane proved himself to be a title contender in the main event of UFC Vegas 20 as he took a clean sweep on the scorecards (50-45) to defeat Rozenstruik. The Frenchman managed his distance perfectly to guide himself to a controlled victory over #4 ranked Rozenstruik. He took his opportunity in the post-fight interview to call to be the backup to the heavyweight title fight at UFC 260 should Francis Ngannou or Stipe Miocic have to withdraw.

While next for Rozenstruik should be a possible rematch with Alistair Overeem or face Curtis Blaydes whose own title run was derailed at UFC Vegas 19.

Nikita Krylov

Magomed Ankalaev took out #8 ranked light heavyweight Nikita Krylov in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 20. Although the fight didn’t play out to the fans’ expectations in what was a lackluster fight, we did see the Russian showcase his danger to the division as he now rides the longest active streak with six wins.

Krylov will be looking to bounce back with a fairly early turnaround and a fight against the surging Danilo Marques, who should be ready for his return soon, would make the most sense.

Mayra Bueno Silva / Montana Del La Rosa

Montana De La Rosa and Mayra Bueno Silva reacting after their draw. — LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Montana De La Rosa and Mayra Bueno Silva of Brazil react after fighting to a majority draw in a flyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 27, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

In one of the most exciting fights on the entire card, Montana Del La Rosa and Mayra Bueno Silva fought to a majority draw in the women’s flyweight division. Silva was penalised one point in the first round for grabbing the fence to prevent a takedown, this led to two of the judge’s scorecards reading 28-28 and therefore a majority draw was declared.

A rematch should be on Sean Shelby’s mind as he decides what is next for both of these talented flyweights following an entertaining scrap on the main card.

Jimmie Rivera

Pedro Munhoz got his revenge over Jimmie Rivera in what was the Fight of the Night at UFC Vegas 20. Rivera beat Munhoz previously back in 2015, however it was Munhoz who was this time victorious as he was declared the winner via unanimous decision. The leg kicks of the Brazilian were the clear factor on his way to victory as he butchered the calves of Rivera throughout the fifteen minutes.

Next for Rivera should be Marlon Vera in what would be a similar matchup to UFC Vegas 20’s Fight of the Night as both fighters look to get back to winning ways.

Kevin Croom

In what turned out to be a frustrating night for Kevin Croom, he suffered his first loss inside the octagon against UFC Veteran Alex Caceres. Croom struggled to obtain the takedown on numerous occasions and didn’t make enough of the control he did get of “Bruce Leeroy” to get his way in the fight as he suffered a confidence-crushing loss.

Croom should face Colombian Danny Chavez next as both fighters look to recover from recent unanimous decision losses.

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