What’s subsequent for UFC San Antonio fighters, together with Edwards, Hardy?

Every thing’s larger in Texas. That is what they are saying. proper?

Nicely, this weekend’s UFC Combat Evening in San Antonio did showcase three heavyweight bouts on the principle card — two of which resulted in violent style inside the primary spherical. And along with that heavyweight motion, welterweight Leon Edwards handled us to a masterclass five-round efficiency in his victory over Rafael dos Anjos.

What’s subsequent for Edwards, dos Anjos and a few of these aforementioned heavyweights? Here is ESPN’s take.

Leon Edwards, welterweight

Consequence: defeated Rafael dos Anjos by way of unanimous resolution

Subsequent: Jorge Masvidal

Leon Edwards stored rolling on Saturday night time, defeating Rafael dos Anjos for his eighth straight victory. Adam Hagy/USA TODAY Sports activities

I really feel like a hypocrite with this decide, as a result of earlier this month I did counsel Masvidal might look ahead to a title shot, following his five-second win over Ben Askren. However here is the factor: I additionally mentioned Masvidal was behind Colby Covington, and that if Covington wins his subsequent struggle towards Robbie Lawler on Aug. three, he ought to get a shot earlier than Masvidal.

So let’s play this by ear. If Covington wins subsequent month, and the UFC awards him a title shot (because it ought to), e-book Masvidal vs. Edwards within the meantime. If, nevertheless, Covington loses on Aug. three, I am all for a Masvidal title shot. In that case, we would clearly have to search out another person for Edwards. Lawler, maybe.

Rafael dos Anjos, welterweight

The principle occasion at UFC 240 options dominant featherweight champion Max Holloway defending towards veteran Frankie Edgar, who at 37 is likely to be competing for a title for the ultimate time. Within the co-main occasion, Cris Cyborg goals to bounce again from simply her second profession defeat towards the unbeaten Felicia Spencer.

UFC 240: Holloway vs. Edgar
• Saturday, Edmonton, Alberta
• Early prelims: ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET
• Prelims: ESPN, eight p.m. ET
• Predominant card: ESPN+ PPV, 10 p.m. ET

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Consequence: misplaced to Leon Edwards by way of unanimous resolution

Subsequent: Vicente Luque, if Luque defeats Mike Perry on Aug. 10

I am not able to ship the previous light-weight champ out to pasture simply but. I am positive some are, although, as he has now misplaced three of his final 4 — and none of these losses have been notably shut. Perhaps dos Anjos’ days as a authentic title risk actually are over, however I am not going there for the second. I believe RDA might nonetheless have a run in him.

That mentioned, this loss stings. This was not a case of dos Anjos getting outwrestled by a bodily welterweight, or a case of him getting clipped by a shot he did not see. Dos Anjos was soundly defeated on Saturday. Edwards simply appeared higher in each space of the struggle. Dos Anjos in all probability wants slightly break day, and when he comes again, he could not have a lot say in who he fights. At the very least for proper now, he is in a gatekeeper position, and if Luque wins in August, he’ll be knocking on that gate.

Consequence: defeated Juan Adams by way of first-round knockout

Subsequent: Junior Albini

Even in case you’re not a Greg Hardy fan, it’s important to admit this was a major consequence. Adams isn’t a longtime heavyweight by any means, however on paper, he was the hardest check of Hardy’s profession so far — and Hardy disposed of him in beneath a minute.

I assume that, for some, this seems like an excellent time to throw Hardy to the wolves. And hey, he is already speaking about changing into one of many “best fight sport heavyweights” of all time in interviews, so it feels like he is up for a problem. However the actuality is Hardy continues to be extraordinarily uncooked, and his stage of competitors ought to proceed to replicate that.

Albini has misplaced 4 in a row, so it would sound like I am suggesting the UFC throw Hardy a can. However Albini additionally has roughly 4 occasions the quantity of expertise as Hardy, and this is able to in all probability be a “save your job” type of matchup for him if it got here collectively. Competitively, it is sensible to me.

2 Associated

Consequence: Defeated Alexey Oleinik by way of first-round knockout

Subsequent: Alistair Overeem

No joke, I keep in mind Harris’ UFC debut in 2013 fairly nicely. He misplaced a call to Division I wrestler Jared Rosholt in Las Vegas. He gained the opening spherical, earlier than dropping the following two. What I keep in mind most, although, is pondering Harris’ pace and athleticism could possibly be a difference-maker at heavyweight. I used to be undoubtedly intrigued by him as a prospect.

Six years later, I am nonetheless ready for Harris to comprehend that potential. He is a mediocre 7-6 within the UFC, however the outcomes have been higher as of late. He is primarily on a four-fight win streak, though one was modified to a no-contest for a failed drug check (although the California fee dominated the failure was attributable to a contaminated complement). Harris is deserving of a high-profile matchup, and it does not get rather more excessive profile than Overeem.

Consequence: Defeated James Vick by way of first-round knockout

Subsequent: Charles Oliveira

You possibly can’t actually go fallacious at light-weight. There’s a lot expertise at 155 kilos, it seems like there are not less than 5 – 6 nice choices for anybody coming off a win.

For me, that is concerning the ending fee between these guys. Hooker has 18 skilled wins — solely one among which has gone the space. Oliveira has 27 professional wins — solely two of which have gone the space! Incredible type matchup, plus it is sensible inside the rankings. Let’s do it.