What’s Next For The Losers At UFC 238

What’s Next For The Losers At UFC 238

By Claudia Peterson

UFC 239 took place in Chicago Illinois, and featured a very strong main card. Let’s see what is next for the losers.

Marlon Moraes: After a very strong first round, Moraes found himself on the receiving end of Cejudo’s fast paced pressure. Moraes tired early in the second, and was TKO’d in the third. Moraes has worked hard to get to this point, and this loss sets him back at least 12 months or so, until he can get one or two more wins before being back at contention. Since the rest of the fighters at the top ten are getting ready to fight or have just recently fought, he should fight Pedro Muhnoz, who lost to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 238.

Jessica Eye: Jessica Evil Eye came into this title fight as a huge underdog, and the odds proved to to be right once again. Eye spent most of the first round on her back, and was only saved by the bell from getting a kimura submission. Very early in the second, Valentina caught her clean with a head kick to the forehead. Evil Eye was out cold and remained unconscious for several seconds. This is the first time Jessica has been knocked out. Since the division is thin, there are actually several good matchups for Jessica for as long as she chooses to stay around. She should fight Jennifer Maia next.

Donald Cerrone: After starting off strong in the first round, Cowboy got caught by the speed and pressure from Tony Ferguson in the second. The fight was on its way to being a barn burner until Cerrone’s orbital fracture kept him from being able to go back out for the third round. After getting hit after the bell and blowing his nose between rounds, Cerrone’s eye was swollen shut, bringing and end to the fight via technical knockout. Cerrone has two divisions he could be successful at, but since lightweight has more to offer him, he should fight Justin Gaethe next.

Jimmie Rivera: This was a critical fight for Jimmy Rivera given that he was coming off a loss. Rivera, who does not do well fighting off the cage, kept finding himself in very difficult spots and almost was KO’d more than once. On top of that, Rivera did not have the best corner advice, something that surely did nothing to help him in trying to win the fight against Petr Yan. Rivera is now 3-1 in his last four. He should fight Cody Garbrandt next.

Tai Tuivasa: Tai Tuivasa lost a unanimous decision to a very experienced fighter in Blagoy Ivanov. Relying heavily on his knockout power, Bam Bam chose to fight Ivanov at close range, and the fight was a tough one for both fighters. This is Bam Bam’s seconda loss in a row but at just 26 years old, he still has lots of time to improve his game. He should fight Derrick Lewis.