Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to the hurt business this past Saturday night (Nov. 10, 2018) by staging UFC Fight Night 139 inside Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. In the headlining act, Yair Rodriguez pulled off one hell of a comeback by knocking out Chan Sung Jung in the final second of round number five (see it).
In the co-main event, Donald Cerrone made the hometown crowd proud by submitting Mike Perry in the very first round, breaking his arm in the process (highlights).
Winner: Yair Rodriguez
Who He Should Fight Next: Zabit Magomedsharipov
Yair was let go by the promotion earlier this year (and subsequently brought back) after he allegedly turned down a fight against “ZaBeast,” according to company president Dana White. After cooler heads prevailed, Yair returned for a highlight-reel victory over “Korean Zombie,” proving that the fight isn’t over until the final horn sounds. With a win in his back pocket, it only makes sense for Yair and Zabit to settle their business. Zabit obviously wants it and by accepting a showdown, “Pantera” silences doubters who really felt the Mexican-born fighter feared “Zabeast.” All Yair has to do is say his name.
Winner: Donald Cerrone
Who He Should Fight Next: Justin Gaethje
After getting back in the win column against “Platinum,” Cerrone announced he would be dropping back down to Lightweight in hopes of making another run at the title. Interestingly enough, “Cowboy” revealed he had already been offered a fight, though he kept the details to himself. If I had my choice, I’d book “Cowboy” vs Gaethje in a hurry. That fight has the makings of an all-out war. Both men like to bang, both push forward and there really isn’t a better matchup for either man when it comes for sheer entertainment value. Yes, Justin is ranked No. 5, but I highly doubt he’d turn down the chance to face Cerrone.
Winner: Germain de Randamie
Who Should She Face Next: Ketlen Vieira
Germaine made a successful return to Bantamweight by outscoring Raquel Pennington to notch her fourth straight win. Now, the former Featherweight champion can set her sights on a higher-ranked foe, as Ketlen is currently undefeated (10-0, 4-0 UFC) and is slowly making her case for a shot at the title. With division queen Amanda Nunes moving up to challenge Featherweight champ, Cris Cyborg, now is a good time to set up a No. 1 contender’s bout between “Iron Lady” and “Fenomeno.”
Winner: Beneil Dariush
Who He Should Fight Next: Marc Diakiese
Beneil got back in the win column by taking out UFC newcomer Thiago Moisés. Still, it’s not enough to get him a top fight, so a showdown against the struggling Diakiese is a good fit. Marc was once considered to be a legit prospect to one day fight for the title, but he’s fallen on hard times as of late, losing his last three fights. It’s an interesting matchup stylistically speaking, and Marc can revive his UFC career with a win over Beniel. For Dariush, taking out Marc not only gets him back-to-back wins for the first time since 2016, but it likely ends “Bonecrusher’s” run inside the eight-sided cage.
Winner: Maycee Barber
Who He Should Fight Next: Ashley Yoder
Maycee made the most of her official UFC debut by defeating UFC newcomer Hanna Cifers. Up next for her should be a fight against Ashley Yoder, who broke her three-fight skid on the same card after taking out Amanda Cooper.
While Ashley has more experience, she isn’t too far up the chain that it would be a mismatch, whereas a win for Maycee will prove to the division she means business. On the flip side, Yoder can stop the Barber hype train before it picks up further steam.
Winner: Michael Trizano
Who He Should Face Next: Davi Ramos
“Lone Wolf” continued his winning ways and stayed undefeated (8-0, 2-0 UFC) by edging out Luis Pena via split decision. On the undercard, Davie Ramos earned his third straight win by taking out John Gunther via rear-naked choke. Both men are doing their respective parts to crack the top 15, but the division is stacked and it will be a tough hill to climb. Having them face off against one another seems appropriate given their current experience level.
For complete UFC Denver results and coverage click here.
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