Our third card in just a week’s time went off without a hitch, at least relatively speaking. This card was all action from the get-go, as well as crowning ourselves a new champion and star in Deiveson Figueiredo.

Both the main card and prelims picks went off great, so those following our bets are sure to bring in more cash in the future!

Afterwards, we’re stuck asking ourselves… what’s next for the victors? Well I’m here to try to play matchmaker for our main card winners and see what fights could (and should) be on the horizon!

Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Alex Perez (FLW)

“Dues de Guerra” ran through Joey B, and without a shred of controversy this time. In fact, it went a lot longer than I thought it would have, considering the number of knockdowns and submissions that Figgy mauled Joseph with. He now has a dominant and undisputed claim to the Flyweight title. Looking forward towards his first defense, it seems as though Perez deserves the next crack, as of right now at least. He has amassed a 6-1 record since joining the UFC off of the Contender Series in 2017, finishing four of those bouts and only losing to Joseph Benavidez.

Jack Hermansson vs. Winner of Whittaker/Till (MW)

I actually really liked this when Jack said it in his post fight. Adesanya will be defending his belt against Paulo Costa come UFC 253 and will likely take on Jared Cannonier next, so long as he scores a win over literally any ranked opponent in the meantime. As well as all being international fighters that need to be on Fight Island to fight for the UFC, there aren’t a lot of other matches for him out there above him in the rankings, considering he lost to Cannonier via KO and Romero is booked to fight Uriah Hall.

Rafael Fiziev vs. Drakkar Klose (LW)

Rafael Fiziev gave a very impressive showing of himself, putting a Thai boxing clinic on Diakese. Whether it was bending backwards under head kicks or cracking off massive kicks and knees, Fiziev displayed his mastery of his sport, as well as his also skilled Combat Sambo chops. He has now scored two dominant decisions over two respected veterans and should only need one more good win to get him in the rankings picture. Previously ranked Drakkar Klose recently lost to Beneil Dariush and proves an interesting test for Fiziev with his judo capabilities.

Ariane Lipski vs. Alexis Davis (FLW)

Ariane Lipski shone through in her performance, submitting Luana Carolina with a vicious kneebar in the very first round. It truly established “The Queen of Violence” in the UFC, bringing her to a now 2-2 record and not having to fear being cut. I’m not sure what the promo was talking about because the Women’s Flyweight division is not much a competitive one. That shouldn’t be too bad for Lipski though, whose following and recent performances line her up nicely for a chance at a ranking. Alexis Davis is now riding a three-fight losing streak and has not competed since last July, working nicely on the timeline of Lipski, who may want to capitalize on her quick victory.

Askar Askarov vs. Jussier Formiga

Askar Askarov proved himself to be the real deal in taking down Perez, a clearly dangerous and capable opponent. Although the Flyweight division’s roster is still somewhat shallow, he still hasn’t earned his shot at the belt with two decisions and a draw against Moreno, who is ranked above him. He could take that opportunity with a convincing display in his next out as Formiga looks to be a perfect matchup. Formiga is on a three-fight losing streak since beating Figueiredo early last year and needs to get back on the winning track if he wants to stay in the UFC.

We’ve got one last Fight Island card coming up next weekend, headlined by a fantastic Middleweight fight starring former champ Robert Whittaker and Darren Till. Until next time, Freaks!