UFC Vegas 37: Matchmaking for the Losers on the Main Card

Antonio Arroyo

Antonio Arroyo had his moments through two rounds against Joaquin Buckley on Saturday. However, Arroyo was caught by a massive uppercut midway through round three, which put an end to his night. Now 0-3 with the promotion, it’s entirely possible that the UFC will part ways with him. 

If Arroyo does get another shot, several intriguing matchups could make sense for him. One possible option for Arroyo is Dusko Todorovic, who has also lost back-to-back fights. However, the name that makes the most sense for Arroyo is Jack Marshman. Marshman had moments early into his UFC tenure but has since hit tough times, losing four of his previous five. Both Arroyo and Marshman love to throw haymakers, and this matchup could result in a highlight reel KO.  

Tony Gravely

If there were even five more seconds in round one, then Tony Gravely likely would have locked up his second KO win in 2021. However, Nate Maness got saved by the bell and flipped the script in round two, sending Gravely to the canvas from a devastating right hook. 

Gravely is now 2-2 in the UFC but is still an intriguing prospect at 135 pounds with this loss. One possible matchup for him is Randy Costa, who, like Gravely, is seen as an intriguing prospect but coming off of a second-round loss. However, the name that makes the most sense for Gravely is Saidyokub Kakhramanov. Kakhramanov made a statement in his UFC debut in August, defeating Trevin Jones with a standing guillotine choke. In a bout that would feature up-and-coming bantamweights, this could result in fireworks.  

Christos Giagos

Having won four of his previous five fights, Christos Giagos got the opportunity to get into the top fifteen with a win against Arman Tsarukyan. However, Tsarukyan’s speed and power proved to be too much for Giagos, who was knocked out merely two minutes and nine seconds into the fight. Now coming off of a loss, Giagos will have to face another unranked opponent next. 

One option for Giagos is Ignacio Bahamondes. Bahamondes pulled off one of the knockouts of the year in his previous matchup and will be looking for a step up in competition. However, the name that makes the most sense for Giagos is Jim Miller. Miller, who was supposed to compete on Saturday prior to testing positive for COVID-19, has 37 UFC fights to his name, tied for the record. Miller wants to fight everyone in the division, and this matchup would be intriguing due to the submission skills that each one possesses.  

Mandy Bohm

Undefeated coming into her UFC debut, Mandy Bohm was someone many fans had their eye on. However, Bohm looked stagnant and put out very little offense en route to a unanimous decision defeat. Ariane Lipski is not an easy opponent for a debut, and it will be interesting to see who Bohm is matched up with next. 

One matchup for Bohm is Poliana Botelho, who is also coming off of a loss in 2021. However, the name that makes the most sense for Bohm is Ji Yeon Kim. In a matchup that won fight of the night two weeks ago, Kim lost a unanimous decision slugfest to Molly McCann. Hopefully, Kim’s aggressive striking will allow Bohm to get out of her shell and look more aggressive in her next fight.  

Devin Clark

Devin Clark has a ton of heart for taking the beating he did on Saturday and still trying to win the fight to the final horn. However, this is now two straight losses for Clark, which puts him further away from the top fifteen rankings. His next fight will likely have to come against a rising prospect. 

One potential option for Clark is Carlos Ulberg. Ulberg, a training partner of Israel Adesanya, is coming off of a fight of the night loss at UFC 259. However, Kennedy Nezchukwu, the man who beat Ulberg, is the matchup that makes the most sense for Clark. Nzechukwu has picked up two comeback wins in 2021, and a fight with Clark could easily result in a fight of the night.  

Ryan Spann

In his first main event, Ryan Spann had a chance to make a statement and potentially get into the top five with a win on Saturday. However, Spann was completely outclassed by Smith, who knocked him down and then submitted him in round one. Now coming off of a loss, Spann will likely have to play gatekeeper in his next bout. 

With most of the top light heavyweights already booked, it makes matching up Spann a bit more complicated. The name that makes the most sense for Spann is Dustin Jacoby. Another Dana White’s Contender Series alum, Jacoby has gone 3-0-1 in four fights with the UFC. He looked great in his fight, knocking out Darren Stewart in the first round, and is clearly due for a ranked opponent. Put these two together, and it could easily be a co-main on a fight night card. 

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