UFC Vegas 97 went down final evening (Sat., Sept. 7, 2024) from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, that includes a Welterweight showdown that noticed Sean Brady defeat Gilbert Burns, after 25 minutes of motion (recap right here). Within the co-main occasion, Natalia Silva defeated Jessica Andrade in a back-and-forth ladies’s Flyweight matchup, the largest win of her surging profession.
Winner: Sean Brady
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Ian Garry
Brady referred to as for this combat after his massive win over Burns, and I prefer it. Garry is coming off a win over Michael Web page, and he and Brady are solely separated by one spot within the rankings. It’s an excellent stylistic matchup and the winner would unquestionably crack the Prime 5, and get one massive step nearer to a title combat. Brady additionally referred to as for a Colby Covington showdown, so if this one doesn’t materialize, “Chaos” works, too.
Winner: Natalia Silva
Who She Ought to Face Subsequent: Erin Blanchfield
Silva secured her twelfth straight win, sixth contained in the Octagon, after taking out former Strawweight champion, Jessica Andrade, so her inventory is on the rise. I’m feeling a combat between her and Blanchfield subsequent. Blanchfield is coming off a tricky loss to Manon Fiorot. And whereas I don’t usually like pairing up a streaking fighter in opposition to one coming off a defeat, this one is smart since Blanchfield is ranked No. 3 for the time being, and Silva is holding down the No. 8 spot.
Winner: Steve Garcia
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Edson Barboza
Garcia upped his win streak to 5 after taking out Kyle Nelson, so his momentum is rising with every win, particularly with one end after one other. Garcia did the promotion a strong by stepping in to face Nelson after Calvin Kattar acquired injured, so let’s see if the promotion returns hims the favor and provides him a ranked for subsequent. Barboza matches the invoice as a result of not solely is he sitting at No. 15, he has an excellent popularity for placing on thrilling fights, as nicely.
Winner: Cody Durden
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Alessandro Costa
Durden snapped his two-fight dropping streak with an enormous win over Matt Schnell, submitting him within the second spherical (see it once more right here). Not solely did he get some newfound confidence he despatched him into retirement. Since Durden stepped in for Alessandro Costa, why not have them sq. off in opposition to each other to see what’s what.
Winner: Yanal Ashmouz
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Charlie Campbell
“Purple Fox” secured his second win contained in the Octagon by defeating Trevor Peek through unanimous choice, and within the course of improved his total professional report to 8-1. Up subsequent for Ashmouz, a showdown in opposition to Campbell sounds proper. Campbell is at the moment on a three-fight win streak, and is 2-0 beneath the UFC banner. His final win, apparently sufficient, additionally got here in opposition to Peek earlier this yr.
For full UFC Vegas 97 outcomes, protection and highlights, click on HERE.