Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to the hurt business last night (Sun., May 27, 2018) for UFC Fight Night 130 inside Echo Arena in Liverpool, England, which was headlined by a Welterweight bout that saw Darren Till defeat Stephen Thompson via unanimous decision after five rounds of action (see it). In the co-main event, Neil Magny defeated Craig White via first-round technical knockout (highlights).
Winner: Darren Till
Who He Should Face Next: Kamaru Usman
Till doesn’t necessarily want a title shot, but he is getting close. Still the title picture is always muddled when their is an interim belt in the division (just ask the Lightweights). If he wanted one, he’d have to wait around for almost a year to get it. Colby Covington and Rafael dos Anjos are set to collide for the interim strap at UFC 225 on June 9, with the winner getting a crack at division king Tyron Woodley after that.
If that title-unification bout doesn’t go down at UFC 227, which is when “The Chosen One” wants to return, the waiting period could drag on. In the meantime, I’d like to see Till face Kamaru Usman next. “The Nigerian Nightmare” also wants a shot at the strap, and after defeating Demian Maia at UFC ‘Chile’ last week he’s getting close. The logical step is to book Till vs Usman and the winner gets the next championship fight.
Winner: Neil Magny
Who He Should Face Next: Gunnar Nelson
There really isn’t a whole lot of science behind this pairing, as the two were set to throw down at UFC Fight Night 130 before “Gunni” was forced out with an injury. If Neil hangs back a bit, he could give Nelson some time to recuperate and get a training camp under him so they can settle their business once and for all.
Winner: Arnold Allen
Who He Should Face Next: Calvin Kattar
Kattar is currently ranked No. 15 and was last seen losing to Renato Moicano at UFC 223. Up until then, Kattar was riding a 10 fight win streak, including winning his first two inside the Octagon. Allen, meanwhile, has won six in a row including all four of his UFC fights. I really think Allen has what it takes to be a top contender, and if he can get through Kattar he could very well take his spot on the official UFC rankings, as well.
Winner: Makwan Amirkhani
Who He Should Face Next: Andre Fili
After more than a year after his last fight which saw him lose to the aforementioned Allen, Makwan made his return and earned a razor-thin split decision victory over Jason Knight. Afterward, he called for a showdown against Cub Swanson, but he already has a fight booked against Renato Moicano for UFC 227 on Aug. 4. Still, a top five foe is not in Amirkhani’s future right away. I like a fight against Fili next. Winner of two straight, Fili can provide Makwan with a tough challenge to let us know whether or not Makwan is a future contender or just a pretender.
Winner: Claudio Henrique da Silva
Who He Should Face Next: Siyar Bahadurzada
Do you remember me now? Silva made his return to the Octagon after four years way. Yes, your read that correctly. The last time Silva fought inside the Octagon, or anywhere for that matter, was in 2014, defeating Leon Edwards via split decision. A lot has changed since that time, and Claudio has a lot of catching up to do. His first-round submission win over Nordine Taleb showed he hasn’t skipped a beat despite his lengthy layoff. Still, Silva hasn’t lost since dropping his professional debut in 2007 and a fight against Siyar sounds about right. Bahadurzada is currently riding a three fight win streak and has become a forgotten man in a stacked 170-pound weight class. A win over Silva could remind everyone just what kind of dangers he brings to the table. For Claudio, taking out Siyar could be what he needs to start his process of infiltrating the Top 15.
Winner: Darren Stewart
Who He Should Fight Next: Elias Theodoru
Stewart fought his way out of the corner he was backed in after dropping his previous three by defeating Eric Spicely via first round knockout. Elias, meanwhile, was also victorious in the opening bout of UFC Liverpool. While the Invicta FC ring boy is on a two fight win streak, it’s nothing to write home about. Since they’ll both be ready for a return round the same time, give or a take a few weeks, this fight seems to make sense.
For complete UFC Fight Night 130: “Till vs Thompson” results, including play-by-play updates, click here.
Get the latest gear
