With he UFC having so many fight this weekend. we will be wrapping up the historic weekend in two different articles. This first article will cover the Fight Pass card from Thursday and the TUF finale. Also, there will be another card touching on the events from tonight’s UFC 200 PPV.
UFC Fight Night 90 was filled with many big finishes, but the biggest story coming out of the night was the crowning of a new champion. Eddie Alvarez used his hands to put down Rafael dos Anjos in the first round. While it does not seem like an immediate rematch is warranted, Alvarez will have no shortage of challenger as he tries to keep that belt around his waist. A few names come to mind as the UFC line sup a potential opponent. Obviously, Khabib Nurmagomedov has earned a title shot, but so has Tony Ferguson. I would rather see those two face off and Donald Cerrone get the next shot. Cerrone is the only man to beat Alvarez, and while he is currently fighting at 170 he has stated he would go back to 155 for the right fight.
The other fight that had some impact was Derrick Lewis getting past his biggest test to date in Roy Nelson. Despite getting taken down he caused enough damage to pick up the win. Four straight wins with three by TKO line him up for a big fight the next time out. If Hunt gets past Lesnar, it would be a fun fight to watch down the road.
Also, at UFC Fight Night 91 the champion defended her belt agains there toughest challenger in Claudia Gadelha. It leave sit int he air who she fights next as she has lost to the champion twice. Joanna will need a new challenger and that will most likely come in the form when Rose Namajuanas takes on Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 201. Former Bellator champion Will Brooks made a successful debut taking out Ross Pearson. At 18-1, he should have no problem jumping into the top ten very shortly. I would like to see him make on the winner of Gilbert Melendez and Edson Barbosa next to see him against one of the better fighters at 155.
This is just few results, but ones that impact their respective divisions. Now, it is on to UFC 200 with all the big fights that will happen on Saturday night.