5 Must-See Fights To Make After UFC 245
Which fights need to be made after the last pay-per-view of the year?
Now that the dust has settled from UFC 245 and we have a clearer picture of the UFC landscape, it's time to match-up some of the big winners from the card. Considering we saw some upset victories during the event, it means that we now have some very interesting potential fights coming up in 2020.
Following his successful title defense over arch-rival Colby Covington, Kamaru Usman will be looking to further cement his legacy at welterweight in his next fight. However, with so many options available to him, who will he decide to defend his belt against next? Newly crowned UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski won't have much time to celebrate, as he has a bunch of hungry title contenders champing at the bit to get a shot at his 145lb strap. Which opponent will he pick to defend his title against next?
There are so many questions, but very few answers. However, there are some strong candidates for tonight's victors and they could all lead to another 12 months of top quality MMA action with the UFC. So who do we think could be next in line? Let's find out...
5. Geoff Neal Vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio
UFC 245 colour commentator and former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier, made a really good suggestion after Geoff Neal's breakout victory over Mike Perry during the UFC 245 prelims. With welterweight stacked full of contenders, there are plenty of options available to the powerful striker, but Cormier's recommendation of Santiago Ponzinibbio as a potential match-up was very exciting.
While Ponzinibbio offers some threat on the ground, his bread and butter is his striking, which fits right into Neal's style of fighting. There are some questions regarding Neal's grappling, but the welterweight division is so top heavy with wrestlers, he's going to be tested in that area if he manages to make it to the top anyway.
The Argentinian is the perfect step-up in competition, especially after the way he systematically outclassed Mike Perry on the feet during their fight. It would also be a good match-up for Ponzinibbio, who hasn't competed since last November. Depending on when they can get back in the Octagon, this is a brilliant fight for both men.