The dust has settled on the amazing UFC 273 pay-per-view (PPV) event in Jacksonville, Fla., highlighted by a featherweight title fight that saw division champion Alexander Volkanovski Chan Sung Jung by technical knockout in the fourth Round defeated (TKO) to retain his belt (Highlights). In further action, Aljamain Sterling ousted Petr Yan in a razor-thin bantamweight title fight to unify the belts. Also, Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns were engaged in a 15-minute war that left fans wanting more from a “Fight of the Year” candidate.
Winner: Alexander Volkanovsky
Who to face next: Max Hollowey
After his third consecutive title defense, Volkanavski will likely see a familiar face in Holloway. The two looked to race it back a third time before an injury forced “Blessed” out of the fight and paved the way for “Korean Zombie” to step in for an unexpected title fight. Currently sitting at No. 1, Holloway will be desperate to step down against ‘The Great’ to win the title again after relinquishing it to the Australian and failing to retaliate in the rematch. For Volkanavski, defeating Holloway for the third (and perhaps final) time will finally end all discussions about who the best fighter really is between the two and open the door to new challenges in the future.
Winner: Aljamain Sterling
Who to face next: Jose Aldo
Sterling narrowly escaped Jacksonville, the 135-pound champion, after claiming a split-decision win over now-former interim champion Petr Yan, who had many people – including Dana White – in his arms. There’s a chance the promotion will bring it back a third time (see Figueiredo vs. Moreno) – but I just don’t see it here. A title fight against Aldo is more my thing. Sure, TJ Dillashaw sits in 2nd place, but there’s no telling where he stands with his knee injury. For my money, Sterling vs. Aldo is the fight to make. Aldo holds on to No. 3 and is currently on a three-fight win streak, the longest of his career since 2014. The former 145-pound champion is also likely health-wise more ready to step into the cage than Viper is, so is there that
Winner: Khamzat Chimaev
Who to face next: Colby Covington
Before Chimaev faced Gilbert Burns in the memorable three-round welterweight affair, UFC President Dana White stated that matchmakers planned to book “Borz” against Covington should he prove victorious. Chimaev did his part, now it’s up to White and company to do their part. Chimaev answered many questions after being pushed to his limits by ‘Durinho’ – the 170-pounder in the world No. 2 – to prove he can beat the cream of the crop. Against Covington, however, it will be a different beast. “Borz” needs to step up his cardio game as “Chaos” does just that with his unlimited gas tank. If Chimaev can defeat the former interim titleholder, a title fight could likely be next.
Winner: Mackenzie Dern
Who to face next: Yan Xiaonan
Dern returned to the Victory Column by claiming a super-close split decision win over Tecia Torres. In terms of rankings, the only fight that makes sense for Dern (at least for now) is one against Xiaonan, who is one spot up when the Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace is in 4th place. Granted, that could change later next week, with Dern potentially overtaking her for the spot. The rest of the top five is already booked, with Zhang Weili set to face Joanna Jedrzejczyk for a second time later this year, and Carla Esparza preparing for a title fight against Rose Namajunas. Marina Rodriguez (No. 3) should become the winner of this fight, so Dern can stay warm as he tries to give Xiaonan her third loss in a row.
Winner: Markus Madsen
Who to face next: Drew Dober
Madsen improved his record to 12-0, 4-0 UFC after defeating Vinc Pichel in an entertaining duel. The former wrestler, who won an Olympic silver medal, could crack the top 15 with the win, but if not, defeating Dober should be enough. Dober recently grabbed his tackle sled by scoring a first-round KO win over Terrance McKinney. A nine-year UFC veteran, Dober is battle-hardened and would put Madsen to a tough test to let fight fans know exactly where he stands. Dober isn’t in the top 15 – but he’s no slouch either – and he’s not exactly easy to beat. It’s a great matchup for Madsen at this stage in his career because rushing him against the top 15 isn’t the game right now. But if he can take down a longtime veteran like Dober, those fights could come sooner rather than later.
For full UFC 273: Volkanovski vs. Korean Zombie results and play-by-play click here HERE.