After an eventful night at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday, March 18, we take a look at potential opponents moving forward for some of the key individuals following UFC Fight Night 107.
Marc Diakiese
“Bonecrusher” has caught the MMA world’s attention after his latest eye-catching performance in the UFC. After delivering on his promise of a finish with a beautifully executed spinning head-kick, the Yorkshireman caught Teemu Packalen flush on the chin with an overhand right, similar to that landed on Kane Mousah at BAMMA 25. Packalen was immobilised and thus the bout was stopped just 30 seconds into the first round.
A next fight for Diakiese already seems set in stone, as post-fight, someone broke the news to the lightweight prospect that Paul Felder wants to fight him. The lightweight responded in typical fashion when he replied “F–k him, I’ll fight him. He want to fight me, I’ll fight him. Simple”.
A fight with American prospect Kevin Lee would see two of the most exciting lightweights in the UFC go head-to-head and would prove where each fighter is at at the early stage of their careers. This could also be a window of opportunity for the American Top Team athlete.
Marlon Vera
After an upset of beating home fighter and fan favourite Brad Pickett, a whole range of options opened up for the Ecuadorian.
Despite being outdone in the first two rounds, Vera’s power looked a constant threat and in the third round he landed a head kick which dropped “One Punch”. He landed two punches on the floor and the referee intervened and stopped the fight.
“Chito” Vera is just 24 years of age and is a huge prospect in the bantamweight division. Frankie Saenz would be a great step-up in competition for Vera, would add another widely recognised name to his resume and as Saenz has lost all three of his last fights, it is a winnable fight for Jackson-Wink MMA product. Arnold Allen would also make for an interesting clash with the two on the rise, both earning reputable wins in London.
Gunnar Nelson
After finishing the fight in typical “Gunni” style with a smooth submission win over Louisiana native Alan Jouban, Nelson will be looking towards the elite in the UFC welterweight division.
The first round consisted of Gunnar being evasive and being the counter-puncher. However, in the second round, the Icelandic contender connected clean and just seconds later took “Brahma” to the floor and submitted him with a guillotine choke.
After being inactive for a while, many want to see a fight between Robbie Lawler and Nelson, a fight which would undoubtedly lead to a title shot for the Icelandic grappling wizard. A fight with Donald Cerrone would be a good ranking fight for “Gunni” and would likely result in victory with Nelson insisting he wishes to fight two more times this year.
Jimi Manuwa
Jimi Manuwa silenced many of his critics with a blistering performance against Corey Anderson in London. With many thinking Anderson would upset the home fighter, Manuwa executed a perfect gameplan.
The plan from Anderson was as expected: to take “Posterboy” to the floor. Manuwa denied all three attempts with relative ease and bided his time, waiting for an opening. Three minutes into the round and Manuwa rocked Anderson, leading the American to the cage. Manuwa waited patiently and floored the fellow contender with a crunching left hook to the head. Manuwa won the fight by knockout.
For Manuwa only one option is available in his eyes. A UFC light-heavyweight title shot. Since his loss to Anthony Johnson, Manuwa has bounced back in emphatic style with incredible knockouts of Ovince St. Preux and now Anderson. However, Manuwa did admit he wouldn’t mind facing Jon Jones if he is still waiting for an opponent come the former champions’ return.
