Matches to Make After UFC Fight Night 234

The first Ultimate Fighting Championship event of 2024 is now in the books. The UFC Fight Night 234 main event helped figure out the light heavyweight hierarchy as Magomed Ankalaev picked up a brutal knockout against Johnny Walker. The Russian called for a title shot after the win, although it remains unclear whether or not he’ll once again be vying for championship gold in his next outing.

Here are five fights to make after UFC Fight Night 234.

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira

While Ankalaev (19-1-1, 1 NC) has unfinished business with Jan Blachowicz after they fought to a draw in 2022, a shoulder injury to the Polish fighter has him sidelined for the foreseeable future. That means either a title shot or going up against the winner of Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic is likely next. If Jamahal Hill isn’t ready to return yet, then a title shot against light heavyweight champion Pereira makes a lot of sense. The fight between the two would be an intriguing battle with Ankalaev likely wanting to take the fight to the ground but "Poatan" being dangerous throughout with his knockout power. However, Ankalaev is no slouch standing, as tonight showed, and that makes the potential title fight all the more interesting. Either way, fans should be in for an exciting title fight with both fighters being tested.

Jim Miller vs. Paul Felder at UFC 300

Miller showed that he's still got it against Gabriel Benitez. "A-10" dominated Benitez until he secured a face crank in the third round. Miller (37-17, 1 NC) has the unique distinction of fighting at both UFC 100 and 200, so it's only fitting that the Octagon mainstay would appear on the UFC 300 card. Rather than go against another up-and-comer, he should have a fun fight against another veteran at the milestone event. After his win, Miller called out Paul Felder, which would be a fresh matchup between two familiar faces. Their styles complement each other, promising a fun fight no matter where it went, and it would also celebrate the careers of two fan-favorite lightweights.

Mario Bautista vs. Jonathan Martinez

Bautista picked up a statement win against Ricky Simon, whom he punished over three rounds en route to a unanimous decision victory. Bautista (14-2) has now won six straight fights inside the Octagon and deserves to fight another surging bantamweight. That's where Martinez (19-4) steps in. "Dragon" is also on a six-fight win streak and is coming off a TKO win over Adrian Yanez. The winner would be a surefire contender and ready for a fight with one of the division's top fighters.

Brunno Ferreira vs. Roman Kopylov

Ferreira successfully rebounded from a loss to Nursulton Ruziboev by viciously knocking out Phil Hawes in a single round. Ferreira (11-1) is now 2-1 inside the UFC with both victories coming via KO. After dropping fights to Karl Roberson and Albert Duraev, Kopylov (12-2) has been on a four-fight win streak that includes KOs over Josh Fremd and Claudio Ribeiro. It would certainly be a fun middleweight scrap for as long as it lasts, and it would be highly unlikely for the judges to be needed.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Rodrigo Nascimento

Cortes-Acosta looked good outpointing former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski over three rounds. Never in much danger, the former baseball pitcher (11-1) used his superior striking to stay one step ahead of the veteran. Going up against another rising heavyweight should be next and Rodrigo Nascimento would fit the bill. The fight would be a good test for both men. "Ze Colmeia" is coming off a win over Don'Tale Mayes and has won his last three outings. A win over “Salsa Boy” would show that Nascimento (11-1, 1 NC) is ready for stiffer tests and the same applies for the American.