'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
UFC 238 certainly lived up to expectations as the stacked card produced plenty of exciting fights. Henry Cejudo shocked the world after defeating Marlon Moraes to become the latest UFC 'champ champ.' The Olympian adapted to a difficult start and piled on the pressure, stopping Moraes in the third round of the bantamweight title fight.
Valentina Shevchenko continued her dominant reign at the top of the flyweight division with a sensational knockout of Jessica Eye in the second round. Tony Ferguson defeated veteran Donald Cerrone to extend his record-breaking winning streak. 'The People's Main Event' definitely lived up to its billing despite being cut short on doctor's orders.
Unbeaten prospect Tatiana Suarez was tested for the first time inside the Octagon by Nina Ansaroff but overcame adversity to win via unanimous decision. Here's what could be next for Cejudo, Ferguson, Cerrone and the other top dogs from UFC 238.
#1 Henry Cejudo vs Aljamain Sterling
After his stunning victory over Marlon Moraes to claim the vacant belt, Henry Cejudo promptly called out legends Dominick Cruz, Urijah Faber and former champion Cody Garbrandt.
Although Cejudo wants to add to his impressive legacy, this doesn't make any sense for a division still reeling from TJ Dillashaw's controversial departure. Cruz hasn't fought in over 2 years and Faber has only recently come out of retirement.
Aljamain Sterling has bounced back after losing to Moraes in 2017, stringing together consecutive victories over top contenders. 'The Funkmaster' established himself as the next title challenger after an impressive display against Pedro Munhoz on the UFC 238 undercard.
The flyweight division is somewhat bare and lacks a clear #1 contender, with Joseph Benavidez scheduled to face Jussier Formiga at UFC on ESPN 3. If Cejudo decides to defend his bantamweight belt, Sterling is the most logical step for his first title defense.
#2 Valentina Shevchenko vs Katlyn Chookagian
Valentina Shevchenko is widely considered one of the greatest female MMA fighters of all time, with a professional record of 17-3. 'The Bullet' added to her impressive highlights reel by dispatching Jessica Eye with a savage head kick.
A trilogy fight with Amanda Nunes is unlikely for the foreseeable future as Nunes is set to defend her titles against MMA legend Holly Holm at UFC 239. In the meantime, Katlyn Chookagian (12-2) has earned her shot at the flyweight belt after beating Joanne Calderwood via UD in the opening act.
Typically the flyweight division has never been a top draw for the UFC and Shevchenko could face the same problems that dogged the great career of former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson. However, if she keeps knocking out her opponents in style it's highly likely fans will overlook the state of the relatively shallow division.
#3 Tony Ferguson vs Khabib Nurmagomedov/Dustin Poirier
'The People's Main Event' definitely lived up to its billing, despite being cut short on doctor's orders.
Tony Ferguson cemented his position as the next in line to the throne after a dominant performance against Donald Cerrone. Despite a somewhat controversial conclusion, Ferguson was clearly finding his rhythm in the second round, opening up the veteran's face with a barrage of powerful strikes.
'El Cucuy' hasn't lost since 2012 and holds notable victories over Edson Barboza, Rafael dos Anjos, Anthony Pettis, and Kevin Lee. Unlike many other fighters, Ferguson steps up his performance round after round, making him one of the most exciting talents on the UFC roster.
He must surely face either Khabib Nurmagomedov or Dustin Poirier for the lightweight title. Tony is on a mission to claim the belt that has eluded him so far in his career and nothing should stand in the way of that, not even a lucrative payday with Conor McGregor.
#4 Donald Cerrone vs Conor McGregor
Both fan favorites need a win to earn another title shot. This potential money fight could have serious implications for the lightweight division. Donald Cerrone lost in a thrilling bout to Tony Ferguson at UFC 238 and McGregor hasn't fought since losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov back in October 2018.
'Cowboy' deserves a big pay cheque after taking the fight with Ferguson at short notice. The New Mexico veteran was on a three-fight win streak prior to UFC 238. After Cerrone knocked out the upstart Alex Hernandez back in January, McGregor tweeted his interest in a future fight with the American.
Cerrone didn't suffer any serious injury despite the beating he took from Ferguson and is eager to get back into the Octagon as soon as possible.
With Conor seemingly angling for a return to the UFC, this is the match-up MMA fans want to see. Although Conor has been linked to a blockbuster rematch with Khabib, a showdown with Cerrone would give him the chance to shake off any ring rust.
#5 Tatiana Suarez vs Michelle Waterson
Tatiana Suarez (8-0) is undoubtedly the future of the strawweight division. Suarez sustained a neck injury that caused her problems during her victory over Nina Ansaroff but she still managed to get the job done, beating the American Top Team fighter via UD.
#7-ranked Michelle Waterson is currently on a 3 fight win-streak and issued a challenge to the undefeated prospect. 'The Karate Hottie' has beaten the likes of Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Paige van Zant and is the former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion.
A fight between the two would establish the clear #1 contender in the strawweight division, although former champions Rose Namajunas and Joanna Jedrzejczyk are also in the mix.
With Suarez taking some time off to recover from a recurring neck injury, Chinese rising star Weili Zhang is being lined up to fight defending champion Jessica Andrade at UFC on ESPN+15.
