(Photo by MMAJunkie.com)
Daniel Cormier vs Brock Lesnar
In the main event of UFC 230, two-division champion Daniel Cormier became the first fighter to defend both Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight belts when he cruised to an easy submission victory over challenger Derrick Lewis in the second round. Using his olympic level wrestling to secure single leg takedowns on Lewis in both rounds, Cormier softened his opponent up with punches before Lewis ultimately gave up his back, allowing DC to secure a fight–ending choke without much effort at all.
With the Derrick Lewis fight being short notice due to UFC 230 needing a headlining title fight, the original plan for Daniel Cormier to fight Brock Lesnar seems to be what both Daniel Cormier and the UFC want next for the champion. After his victory over Lewis, Cormier took the mic to address Lesnar once again, promoting the inevitable matchup with the former UFC champion and current WWE Universal Champion. Surely, the build up to this fight should be nothing short of entertaining.
Ronaldo Souza vs Luke Rockhold II
In a brutal back and forth war in UFC 2300’s co-main event, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza needed just one punch to put former champion Chris Weidman away in the third and final round of an all out war. The short notice victory brings Jacare back to the winner’s circle following his defeat to upcoming title challenger Kelvin Gastelum back in May. With a win over a former champion and fellow top contender, Jacare finds himself very close to a title shot.
With the Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum title fight slated for early February, I feel it would be best to pair Jacare up with fellow top contender Luke Rockhold on the same night. Not only would it serve as a #1 contender fight, it would also allow Jacare to step in the place of Whittaker or Gastelum should any issue force them out of action. It also allows the opportunity for Jacare to avenge his loss to Rockhold for the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship all the way back in 2011.
Matchups for remaining UFC 230 fighters
-Derrick Lewis vs JDS/Tuivasa loser
-Chris Weidman vs Uriah Hall w/ win over Bevon Lewis
-Jared Cannonier vs Karl Roberson
-Jack Marshman vs Oskar Piechota
-Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa
-Derek Brunson vs David Branch
-Jordan Rinaldi vs Daniel Henry
-Jason Knight vs Artem Lobov or cut
-Sijara Eubanks vs. Nicco Montano
-Roxanne Modafferi vs Lauren Murphy
-Sheymon Moraes vs Makwan Amirkhani
-Julio Arce vs Gavin Tucker
-Lyman Good vs Danny Roberts
-Ben Saunders vs Zak Cummings
-Lando Vannata vs Stevie Ray
-Matt Frevola vs Claudio Puelles
-Shane Burgos vs Raoni Barcelos
-Kurt Holobaugh vs Brandon Davis
-Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs Augusto Sakai
-Adam Wieczorek vs Junior Albini