Sean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for Alexander Volkov and UFC-Rotterdam's other winning fighters?

from MMA Junkie on Sep 03, 2017
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UFC Fight Night 115’s main event didn’t go well for the hometown crowd.Alexander Volkov defeated Dutchman Stefan Struve in the heavyweight headliner, which took place at Ahoy Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

In a matchup of fighters looking to move up the rankings, Volkov (29-6 MMA, 3-0 UFC) managed to halt Struve (28-9 MMA, 12-7 UFC) for a third-round TKO win in the UFC Fight Pass-streamed contest to remain perfect inside the UFC octagon.

Other main-card winners included Siyar Bahadurzada (23-6-1 MMA, 3-2 UFC) and Marion Reneau (8-3-1 MMA, 4-2-1 UFC), who finished their opponents inside the distance with strikes, as well as Leon Edwards (14-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC), who picked up a win on the scorecards.

After every event, fans wonder whom the winners will be matched up with next. And with another night of UFC action in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward, put on a pair of Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard’s shoes, and play UFC matchmaker for UFC Fight Night 115’s winning fighters.

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Leon Edwards

Should fight: Alex Oliveira
Why they should fight: With four consecutive UFC victories in the welterweight division, Edwards’ request for a top-15 opponent should be granted following his unanimous-decision win over Bryan Barberena.

Aside from a few missteps, the Brit has been solid throughout his UFC career. His current run is not to be taken lightly, especially if he continues to improve going forward. “Rocky” wants an opponent of note, and fortunately for him, Oliveira (17-3-1 MMA, 7-2 UFC) is available.

Oliveira is riding a five-fight unbeaten streak inside the octagon, which includes back-to-back finishes of Ryan LaFlare and Tim Means. The Brazilian may be interested in someone more highly ranked at 170 pounds, but given the current landscape of the division, he might have to settle for someone slightly below him in Edwards.

Marion Reneau

Should fight: Germaine de Randamie
Why they should fight: All credit goes to Reneau for her willingness to accept and win a risky matchup with newcomer Talita Oliveira after a much more high-profile fight with ex-champ de Randamie fell through on short notice.

Reneau lost the matchup with de Randamie (7-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) on less than two weeks’ notice, which was surely a disappointment. Moving from a former UFC champion to a promotional newcomer would be tough for most fighters to get motivated for, but Reneau still showed up and handled her business in the form of a third-round TKO win.

Despite some criticism of her own performance, Reneau should be rewarded for her handling of the entire situation and give her the big fight that was originally intended. Unless de Randamie is out for an extended period with her injured hand, the UFC should make it right with Reneau and give her a fight with “The Iron Lady.”

Siyar Bahadurzada

Should fight: Jake Ellenberger
Why they should fight: Bahadurzada hopefully put his years of injury woes behind him with a successful return to the octagon with a second-round TKO of UFC newcomer Rob Wilkinson.

Bahadurzada showed his power is still as prevalent as ever when he overwhelmed Wilkinson with strikes until the referee waved off the fight. When healthy, Bahadurzada’s hands are as difficult as any to deal with, be it at middleweight or welterweight. The issue, though, is that he can’t seem to stay healthy.

With just three fights in four-plus years, Bahadurzada’s main priority should be getting back in the cage as soon as possible to get some momentum going. It’s been far too long since he’s had a quick turnaround, and that should happen soon.

Bahadurzada could fight pretty much anyone, but with a planned return to 170 pounds for his next fight, a bout with a fellow hard-hitter like Ellenberger (31-13 MMA, 10-9 UFC) has highlight-reel potential.