UFC Vegas 23 Results: Matchmaking for Main Card Losers

Here, we will theorize who each of the competitors who came up short on the UFC Vegas 23 main card should face next. Despite facing defeat this time around, all of these fighters can come back strong with big performances in their next appearances.

Matchmaking for Main Card Losers

Kevin Holland (21-7, 8-4 UFC)

Holland has earned the respect of most with his eagerness and willingness to step up and fight at a moment’s notice. Now, he must take time off to train and improve upon his craft. Specifically, his grappling defense, which has been the decisive factor in his most recent losses. Who knows, perhaps a move down to welterweight will be Holland’s next move.

Whatever the case, “The Trailblazer” should stay out of the octagon until fall at the earliest. With that being said, hypothesizing who his next opponent should/will be is difficult and almost pointless. Middleweight possibilities include the loser of Uriah Hall/Chris Weidman or the winner of Krzysztof Jotko/Sean Strickland. Meanwhile, Niko Price would serve as a fan-friendly affair if Holland moves down a weight class.

Next opponent: Extended lay-off

Sodiq Yusuff (11-2, 4-1 UFC)

Yusuff fought a good fight against a tough Arnold Allen, but the Nigerian featherweight ended up on the wrong end of a couple big strikes. It was the first time he’s tasted defeat in the UFC and he’ll definitely be looking to get back in the win column soon. Even with coming up on the wrong end of the UFC Vegas 23 results, there’s still a couple good names out there for “Super” Sodiq.

Bryce Mitchell hasn’t competed since last Halloween and he’d present Yusuff with a completely different test, making it a very intriguing match-up. Or, if matchmakers would like to give him a striker, Ilia Topuria would fit that bill if he wins in July. Yusuff will still be ranked come next week and his first UFC loss shouldn’t set him back too much.

Next opponent: Bryce Mitchell

Sam Alvey (33-15-1, 10-9 1NC UFC)

Alvey had his moments against Julian Marquez, even wobbling him at times. Unfortunately, the 34 year old got choked unconscious after getting hurt badly on the feet. Credit Alvey for keeping active, but recent results haven’t yielded success for him. “Smilin” Sam is (0-4, 1NC) since September of 2018.

Assuming he continues to fight at middleweight, Antonio Arroyo or the loser of Abdul Razak Alhassan/Jacob Malkoun would work for Alvey. The Wisconsin native has limits to his game, but he’s still capable of defeating UFC talent. Alvey will probably maximize his potential by cutting to middleweight from here on out.

Next opponent: Antonio Arroyo

Nina Nunes (10-7, 4-4 UFC)

Nina Ansaroff, now Nina Nunes, returned to the octagon after a long lay-off which included a pregnancy. In addition to that, she faced a very tough opponent in Mackenzie Dern. Yet, that’s what happens when you’re ranked in the top five of a division. Nunes will definitely slip down the ranks, but she’ll still welcome a ranked strawweight again.

The Florida native has a couple intriguing options within the top-15. First is Tecia Torres, who currently sits at number nine in the division. The second possible fresh face is Amanda Lemos, who is 3-1 since entering the UFC. At 33 years of age, Nunes still has time to gather herself and gain momentum.

Next opponent: Tecia Torres

Mike Perry (14-8, 7-8 UFC)

Mike Perry is probably on the back end of his UFC tenure, and based on his post-fight reaction it seems as though he knows it. “Platinum” Perry said he has one fight left on his contract and essentially he’ll go from there. Clearly, there’s no future at middleweight for him and a fight with Darren Till will never occur inside a UFC octagon.

Regardless, people like watching Perry compete, but even that notion is fading with each discouraging fight. The first name that comes to mind as a next viable foe is Khaos Williams. There would be a lot of intensity once the door is locked behind those two. Another possibility is Matthew Semelsberger, who’s coming off a TKO victory over Jason Witt. Mr. Perry knows he’s likely fighting for his job next time he competes.

Next opponent: Khaos Williams

UFC Vegas 23 Main Card Results

• Marvin Vettori def. Kevin Holland (Unanimous Decision)
• Arnold Allen def. Sodiq Yusuff (Unanimous Decision)
• Julian Marquez def. Sam Alvey (Rear Naked Choke)
• Mackenzie Dern def. Nina Nunes (Armbar)
• Daniel Rodriguez def. Mike Perry (Unanimous Decision)

After seeing the UFC Vegas 23 results, who would you like to see the main card losers face next? Leave your thoughts in the comment section!

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