Matches to Make After UFC Vegas 102

The Ultimate Fighting Championship continued its busy February with an entertaining UFC Apex card filled with relevant middleweight fights. Headlined by former title challenger Jared Cannonier taking on the rising Gregory Rodrigues, UFC Vegas 102 the main event gave a chance for new blood to enter the top 10 at 185 pounds. While that didn’t happen, there’s still plenty to talk about after the action has ended as there are some great fights to come out of the UFC’s latest event.

Here are five matches to make following UFC Vegas 102.

Jared Cannonier vs. Roman Kopylov

Following a rough 2024 that saw Cannonier (18-8) lose to both Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, the "Killa Gorilla" got back into the win column by stopping Gregory Rodrigues with punches in the fourth round. The 40-year-old is 3-2 in his last five fights despite taking on top competition and is an elite gatekeeper at this stage. I'd like to see Cannonier take on another promising contender next in the form of Kopylov. The Russian is 14-3 and is coming off impressive wins over Chris Curtis and Cesar Almeida. Cannonier would be his most distinguished test to date, and it’d make for an entertaining Fight Night headliner.

Youssef Zalal vs. Sean Woodson

Zalal impressed against Calvin Kattar, who he soundly outstruck over 15 minutes. Now cemented as a featherweight contender, the 28-year-old is on an impressive four-fight win streak inside the UFC. Next up for "The Moroccan Devil" should be another veteran on a win streak, and Woodson would be ideal. "The Sniper" actually holds a 2021 split-decision win over Zalal and has gone 5-0-1 since then. This would give Zalal a chance to show how much he's improved since then and allow Woodson (13-1-1) a chance to go 2-0 against a dangerous opponent.

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Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Eryk Anders

Shahbazyan needed less than two minutes to put away Dylan Budka with a series of hard punches. Shahbazyan (14-5) has begun delivering on his initial promise as of late, having won two of his last three fights. Still just 27, I'd like to see the middleweight go up against a tested veteran next. Anders fits the bill as "Ya Boi" is still quite dangerous at 37. Anders (17-8) has won his last two fights, including a TKO over Chris Weidman, and has been open about being on one final run before retirement. It's a crossroads fight that is interesting for both men, as it could go either way as both strikers have knockout power.

Nazim Sadykhov vs. Mateusz Rebecki

Sadykhov made Ismael Bonfim give up after a round of action as his opponent claimed he couldn't see after getting blasted with a question mark kick. Now 10-1-1, Sadykhov remains undefeated inside the Octagon. A fight against Rebecki would make sense as the lightweight is 4-1 inside the Octagon and is coming off a split decision win over Myktybek Orolbai. Both men have proven to be threats on the feet, so would be quite fun for as long as it lasts with the winner ready to move further up the ranks.

Andre Petroski vs. Bo Nickal

Petroski was able to outstrike Rodolfo Vieira over three rounds to earn a unanimous decision. Now 13-3, the American has won three straight fights inside the Octagon. The 33-year-old has momentum on his side and has made it clear who he wants to face next: Nickal. The 29-year-old wrestling champion is 7-0 as a pro and is coming off victories over Paul Craig and Cody Brundage. It'd be a great test of Nickal's overall game as Petroski is no slouch when it comes to grappling. Let's see if Nickal can pass his toughest test yet and get another veteran look.