What’s subsequent for Max Holloway, Cris Cyborg and different UFC 240 fighters?

Three months after arising quick in his bid for an interim light-weight title, Max Holloway reasserted himself because the king of the featherweight division at UFC 240 in Edmonton, Alberta.

This time, it was on the expense of former light-weight champion Frankie Edgar, who fell to Zero-5 in his previous 5 title fights. At 37, there may be loads of hypothesis that was his last shot at UFC gold, however do not inform him that; Edgar continues to say he has loads left.

And naturally, one of many greatest tales going into Saturday’s UFC 240 was Cris “Cyborg” Justino combating out her present UFC contract.

What’s subsequent for Holloway, Edgar, Justino and a number of the different names of UFC 240? This is ESPN’s take.

Max Holloway, featherweight champion

Consequence: Defeated Frankie Edgar through unanimous resolution

Subsequent: Alexander Volkanovski

The title image within the welterweight division ought to clear up when the UFC hits Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday. In the principle occasion, high contender Colby Covington takes on former champion Robbie Lawler, with a title shot possible subsequent for Covington ought to he earn a victory. “Chaos” is on a six-fight win streak however hasn’t fought in over a yr. Lawler, in the meantime, hasn’t received within the Octagon in over two years.

UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Lawler
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Not a lot to debate right here. Volkanovski is clearly subsequent in line. Many felt he was truly forward of Edgar in line, however I personally did not have an issue seeing Edgar get his shot so long as Volkanovski was ready within the wings for the winner — which he’s.

The one query is when and the place this combat will happen. The right spot is Oct. 5, at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. Simply picturing Holloway stroll out to a crowd of 50,000 Aussies to defend his crown in opposition to a contender from New South Wales — you possibly can’t beat that. However Holloway has fought three title fights prior to now eight months. If he accepts this, it might make 4 in 11 months. That is quite a bit. The choice is as much as Holloway. If it does not land in Melbourne, assume Las Vegas on the finish of the yr.

Frankie Edgar, featherweight

Consequence: Misplaced to Max Holloway through unanimous resolution

Subsequent: Dominick Cruz

One of the vital defining issues of Edgar’s profession is his need (and stubbornness) to combat greater males. UFC president Dana White, members of the media and even Edgar’s personal crew have implored him to maneuver down at varied factors in his profession. And for no matter cause, he all the time resists.

For the file, I am not suggesting the one cause he misplaced to Holloway on Saturday is that he was undersized. Clearly not. Holloway is among the finest pound-for-pound fighters on the planet. Ability received that combat. However you heard it in Edgar’s personal postfight feedback: Holloway was lengthy, he stated. Holloway was arduous to take down. Simply check out the 2 standing subsequent to one another and the scale distinction is obvious. If Edgar agrees to maneuver down in weight, he’ll want an incredible cause to do it. How in regards to the best bantamweight of all time?

Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino, featherweight

Consequence: Defeated Felicia Spencer through unanimous resolution

Subsequent: Amanda Nunes

I am throwing the Nunes rematch on the market out of hope — and precept, I suppose. I imply, it is clearly the fitting combat. From the second Nunes knocked Justino out within the opening spherical of that combat in December, it demanded a rematch. Justino hadn’t misplaced in 13 years. It was a fast knockout. These are two of the highest feminine fighters on the planet. In fact, run it once more.

I’ll admit, nonetheless, I am not optimistic in regards to the probabilities of this truly taking place. Justino and the UFC have all the time had a tough time discovering frequent floor. They have been capable of put collectively the 2 fights that basically wanted to occur (Holm and Nunes), however I am unsure if they will be capable to come to phrases on this rematch. My guess is that is Saturday’s contest was Justino’s final look within the UFC — however the Nunes rematch is such a fascinating combat, I am not ruling it out as a risk.

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Cris Cyborg rains down heavy blows throughout all three rounds en path to victory vs. Felicia Spencer. For extra UFC, join right here for ESPN+ http://plus.espn.com/ufc.

Felicia Spencer, featherweight

Consequence: Misplaced to Cris Justino through unanimous resolution

Subsequent: Cat Zingano

Spencer had an incredible week in Edmonton. There is no debating it. She appeared to benefit from the course of. It didn’t overwhelm her. There was all the time an actual probability of that occuring. This was Zero to 60 actually quick for Spencer, and she or he dealt with it like a professional. She endeared herself to followers together with her toughness and gave Justino some legit issues within the course of. No, she did not win a spherical in opposition to the previous champ, however she proved she undoubtedly belonged.

Now for the age-old query at feminine featherweight: What subsequent? There are simply not numerous choices. Zingano has stated she want to combat by the top of the yr, and she or he competed at 145 kilos in her final contest. For Zingano, the trail to a title can be a lot faster at 145 than 135. This one is smart.

Consequence: Defeated Niko Value through second-round TKO

Subsequent: Kevin Lee

Geoff Neal needs a top-15 welterweight, and dang it, I consider Geoff Neal appears very prepared for a top-15 welterweight. I do not know if 4 wins within the UFC, as spectacular as they have been, is sufficient to crack into that higher tier although. A whole lot of the extremely ranked welterweights have already got fights booked or are wanting up the rankings, not down.

Lee is a little bit of an anomaly. He’s new to the division and is coming off a loss to Rafael Dos Anjos. Lee is in want of a win. I feel Neal has made sufficient noise as a brand new contender, with 4 wins (three finishes) in 15 months. I just like the combat stylistically. I feel this matchup would possibly shock folks at first, after which they’d come round on it instantly. A former light-weight interim title challenger in a brand new weight class pitted in opposition to some of the thrilling new names of that weight class? Come on.

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Geoff Neal appears again at his action-packed combat vs. Niko Value at UFC 240 and what he is wanting ahead to subsequent. For extra UFC, join right here for ESPN+ http://plus.espn.com/ufc.