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Casey O'Neill is one of the most promising prospects in the UFC. She has climbed the women’s flyweight division ranks and has looked better in each fight. The 24-year-old has an unbeaten 9-0 MMA record and could be in the title picture by the end of the year.
O'Neill most recently defeated former title-challenger Roxanne Modafferi by split-decision to remain unbeaten. It was a significant bout as ‘The Happy Warrior’ announced that she'd be retiring following the fight. It was a high-profile win considering Modafferi is a pioneer of the sport, so there was a lot to gain for O'Neill.
There are now plenty of exciting options for ‘King’ Casey going forward. Now that she’s the No.12-ranked flyweight, it’ll be interesting to see who the promotion matches her up with next. This list will look at five possible opponents for Casey O’Neill following her latest win.
#5. No.10-ranked UFC flyweight Cynthia Calvillo
O’Neill vs. Cynthia Calvillo would be a logical fight to book next based on the women's flyweight rankings. Following a win against a veteran like Modafferi, the promotion could match up against another veteran like Calvillo.
Calvillo is in an interesting situation in the flyweight division. She returned to the flyweight division in 2020, where she earned a unanimous decision win over former title-challenger Jessica Eye. However, she has since lost three straight fights to Kaitlyn Chookagian, Jessica Andrade, and Andrea Lee. Prior to her losing streak, she had an MMA record of 9-1-1, so this has been a setback.
Perhaps the UFC could give Calvillo another chance and match her up with the young prospect. It would only provide her with an opportunity to remain in the top 10. It could also lead to her getting back to the title picture because of the attention ‘King’ Casey is receiving.
#4. No.14-ranked UFC women's flyweight Maycee Barber
Maycee Barber would be an intriguing matchup for Casey O’Neill. She made her MMA debut at 19 years old and earned herself a contract through Dana White’s Contender Series.
‘The Future’ immediately made a statement in the promotion. She won her first three bouts via TKO and showcased her striking ability. Unlike ‘King’ Casey, she was unable to get past Roxanne Modafferi. The veteran used her experience to earn a unanimous decision win over Barber.
Barber lost her second-straight unanimous decision to Alexa Grasso, which was her first bout since recovering from an injury. It was a learning experience, and she was able to overcome the early adversity by winning her most recent bout.
‘The Future’ defeated Miranda Maverick in a hard-fought split decision. However, many felt as though Maverick had won the bout. If Barber fights O'Neill next, it could provide her with the perfect opportunity to silence the naysayers.
#3. No.11-ranked UFC women's flyweight Alexa Grasso
Alexa Grasso would be another great test for O’Neill. Since moving to flyweight, Grasso has looked much more comfortable in competing at 125lbs. She competed at strawweight prior to the move. However, weight-cut issues led to the change in weight class.
Grasso is a very durable fighter. She has a 13-3 MMA record, with 9 wins coming via decision. Despite winning most of her bouts by decision, she is a fighter that isn’t afraid to throw down. Now in a new weight class, she is looking to establish herself and get closer to a title shot. Grasso is 2-0 at flyweight with wins over Barber and Ji Yeon Kim.
Next month, she is scheduled to fight No.7-ranked Joanne Wood at a Fight Night event. Grasso could move into the top 10 with a win, depending on how that fight goes. Timing-wise, it would make sense for O'Neill to fight her if she gets past Wood.
#2. No.13-ranked UFC women’s flyweight Manon Fiorot
Manon Fiorot has been on an impressive run in the UFC and looks to be a contender on the rise. She has an MMA record of 8-1, with her lone professional loss coming in her debut against Bellator featherweight Leah McCourt.
‘The Beast’ is a serious threat in the standup as six out of her eight wins have been via TKO. She also has a black belt in karate and a background in Muay Thai and has used those skills to her advantage. This was on full display in her win against Tabatha Ricci. She utilized her kicks and pressured her with combinations before finishing her with a flurry of strikes.
Fiorot is scheduled to compete against former title challenger Jessica Eye next month. ‘The Beast’ will likely be a heavy favorite, especially considering Eye is on a three-fight losing skid. A win would see her pass O’Neill in the women’s flyweight rankings, which could lead to them matching up.
#1. Former UFC women's bantamweight champion Miesha Tate
Miesha Tate would undoubtedly be the highest-profile fight of O’Neill’s UFC career. After defeating Modafferi in her retirement fight, perhaps many would assume she could do the same against Tate.
The former women’s bantamweight champion made her return to the octagon after being retired for five years. It looked like she hadn’t lost a step as she defeated Marion Reneau by third-round TKO. Her comeback was off to a great start, but her next bout could derail her plans. She fought Ketlen Vieira four months later and lost a hard-fought unanimous decision.
‘Cupcake’ is scheduled to make her flyweight debut in May, when she fights former title challenger Lauren Murphy. This move could rejuvenate her career as a win over Murphy could earn her a title shot against Valentina Shevchenko. Depending on what transpires in their next respective bouts, O’Neill vs. Tate shouldn’t be ruled out for this year.
