Movsar Evloev
Should fight: Movsar Evloev
Why they should fight: As much of a feel-good moment as it was to see Brian Ortega turn in a vintage come-from-behind effort to submit Rodriguez in their rematch, the idea of him getting a title shot next against current 145-pound champ Topuria feels a little bit ludicrous.
This was Ortega’s (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) first win since October 2020, his first finish since March 2018, and brought him out of a slump that consisted of three losses in four fights. The performance against Rodriguez minimizes some of those resume blemishes, but not completely – and certainly not to the point at which Ortega should immediately jump multiple more deserving people.
The realistic way the division should play out is that Topuria should rematch Alexander Volkanovski, assuming the former champ is healthy and in a good state to fight after his back-to-back knockout losses. If not him, then Max Holloway has earned another chance at the belt. After that, Evloev (18-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is undefeated, highly ranked and has never got a title shot. His style has a lot to do with that, and it’s likely he’ll need another win.
It’s an obvious booking to put Evloev and Ortega together, and the winner would have a legitimate case to challenge for UFC gold.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 237.
