The Vanquished: What’s Next for the UFC 297 Losers

Ultimate Fighting Championship play-by-play commentator Jon Anik succinctly captured the significance of Saturday’s main event stating, "It's Sean Strickland's world, and we are all living in it." The cheers from the packed Scotiabank Arena in Toronto reverberated that sentiment. Yet it was the tenacious challenger Dricus Du Plessis who, through a gritty performance, left the former middleweight king with nothing but the echoes of his past glory.

The main event lived up to expectations, especially since it bore the weight of fans' anticipation following a somewhat disheartening response to the overall card on social media. A portion of the letdown could be attributed to an off night for many of the Canadian-bred stars. For the defeated fighters, this chapter signifies a pivotal juncture in their careers. For some, it's a minor setback; for others, it prompts serious introspection about their position in their careers and an analysis of the goals lying ahead.

Navigating these crossroads demands astuteness and discernment, as decisions made now can profoundly shape their futures. This necessitates careful consideration of the next opponents they choose to face. Amidst the debris of UFC 297, we embark on the task of matchmaking for fighters who found themselves on the losing side during Saturday night's main card. Let's delve into potential matchups for these determined athletes seeking redemption.

Arnold Allen vs. Josh Emmett

Featherweight standout Allen engaged in a hard-fought, technically sound exchange with undefeated prodigy Movsar Evloev. The encounter epitomized the expectations of contemporary MMA: a symphony of high-level scrambles, a dazzling showcase of striking adjustments, and the unwavering valor and tenacity reminiscent of a seasoned warrior forged in the crucible of battle. Despite Allen's initial success with the peppering jab, Evloev's supremacy in wrestling and striking ultimately proved insurmountable, etching a second consecutive loss onto Allen's record.

Allen, having faced the elite of the featherweight division, seeks a compelling rebound. Enter Josh Emmett, a power-packed fighter forced out of their initial clash back in January 2020 due to injury. Emmett's recent success, marked by a "Performance of the Night" bonus knockout victory over Bryce Mitchell at UFC 296 last month, makes this matchup worth rebooking. Allen vs. Emmett promises a collision of skills and styles, offering both fighters a chance for resurgence and a potential rise up the featherweight ranks.

Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Jun Yong Park

Following his close split-decision loss to Chris Curtis at UFC 297, Barriault is now 3-2 in his last five fights. He could seek redemption in a matchup against either Andre Muniz or Jun Yong Park, who fought one another at UFC Fight Night 233 on Dec. 9. Considering that Park, like Barriault, lost in a decision so close as to be controversial, it seems natural to pair the two. Notably, all fighters in discussion competed around the same timeframe in December and January, suggesting synchronicity in their potential availability for the next assignment.

Mike Malott vs. Daniel Rodriguez

After an electrifying comeback victory for Neil Magny over Malott at UFC 297, the question arises: What's next for the Canadian star? Considering Malott's recent win-loss record, a clash with Rodriguez emerges as a fitting and compelling pairing. Rodriguez, on a two-fight losing skid, becomes eligible to fight again on Jan. 28, 2024, after a suspension for testing positive for the banned substance ostarine.

Factoring Malott's three wins in his last five bouts, the timing aligns for a compelling showdown between the welterweight fighters. Alternatively, a bout against Alex Morono, who shares a similar recent record with three wins in his last five fights, and is similarly coming off of a loss in his latest outing, offers another enticing option. These matchups can prove to be logical and thrilling choices for Malott's next chapter in the UFC.

Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Ketlen Vieira

Raquel Pennington claimed the vacant UFC bantamweight crown with a resounding decision over Bueno Silva at UFC 297. Although Silva faced a setback, it may turn out to be a trifling detour in the trajectory of her promising career. The loss doesn't diminish the plethora of options at her disposal, nor does it impede the ample time she has to orchestrate another championship ascent. Her resilience is underscored by historical precedent, and considering Bueno Silva's evident fortitude and resilience, coupled with time on her side, another championship run is a possibility.

Considering her formidable skill set, a captivating prospect for Silva's resurgence could be a showdown with the skilled Ketlen Vieira, presently ranked No. 4 in the UFC women's bantamweight division. Alternatively, a clash with Irene Aldana, fresh off a spectacular victory against Karol Rosa, offers an intriguing avenue for Silva to reassert herself in the bantamweight landscape.

Sean Strickland vs. Israel Adesanya 2

While Strickland's split-decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis undoubtedly shakes the foundation, his position in the middleweight division remain notably high. However, orchestrating his rebound is a more intricate task than initially meets the eye. The usual suspects like Paulo Costa, Robert Whittaker and Marvin Vettori are all occupied with scheduled bouts, making matchmaking a challenging endeavor. Introducing him to rising juggernauts like Khamzat Chimaev or Ikram Aliskerov risks scripting a chapter in Strickland's fall from grace.

A rematch with Israel Adesanya beckons, but the UFC might hasten Adesanya toward a showdown with the freshly minted champion. Alternatively, if the UFC opts for an innovative approach, a Strickland-Adesanya rematch could be a compelling narrative, given The Last Stylebender's motivation to avenge his prior loss to the resilient American.

The intricacies of this decision forge a captivating enigma, leaving matchmakers and fans on the precipice of anticipation to witness the unfolding of the next chapter in Strickland's journey.