The UFC returned to Rotterdam this weekend for UFC Fight Night 115.
The event delivered with a bunch of memorable finishes and some very entertaining fights.
In the evening’s main event, Alexander “Drago” Volkov scored a third-round TKO victory over hometown favorite Stefan “The Skyscraper” Struve.
BJPENN.com’s Chris Taylor attempted to fill the shoes of UFC matchmakers Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby by selecting which opponents should come next for a few of last night’s UFC Rotterdam winners.
Alexander Volkov: Should fight – Winner of UFC 216’s Fabricio Werdum vs. Derrick Lewis fight
Alexander Volkov scored arguably the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career yesterday in Rotterdam, defeating Stefan Struve via third-round TKO. With the win, “Drago” has now positioned himself near the top of the UFC’s heavyweight division and thus requires a fight with a perennial contender. With Alistair Overeem verbally agreeing to fight Francis Ngannou later this fall, it would appear that the best option for Volkov at this time is the winner of next month’s Fabricio Werdum vs. Derrick Lewis fight at UFC 216.
Siyar Bahadurzada: Should fight – Gunnar Nelson
Siyar Bahadurzada made his long awaited octagon return at yesterday’s UFC Fight Night 115 event in Rotterdam, scoring a sensational second-round TKO victory over Rob Wilkinson. Siyar’s second straight stoppage victory in a row also marked the first professional loss of Rob Wilkinson’s career. Siyar, who plans to return to welterweight in his next bout, would be an awesome opponent for Gunnar Nelson. “Gunny” recently saw his two-fight winning streak come to an end at the hands of Santiago Ponzinibbio.
Mairbek Taisumov: Should fight – Michael Chiesa
Mairbek Taisumov picked up his fifth knockout victory in a row yesterday in Rotterdam, scoring a first-round one-punch win over Felipe Silva. Following his jaw dropping victory, the 29-year-old demanded a top-ten opponent in his post-fight speech. With most of the UFC’s top ten lightweights already booked, the best case scenario for Taisumov could be a future fight with Michael Chiesa. “Maverick” is coming off a submission loss to perennial contender Kevin Lee in his most recent fight, but prior to that he had earned three-straight wins over the likes of Mitch Clarke, Jim Miller and Beneil Dariush.
Marion Reneau: Should fight – Germaine de Randamie
Marion Reneau picked up a third-round TKO victory over Talita Bernardo at yesterday’s UFC Fight Night 115 event in Rotterdam. The victory moved Reneau to 2-0-1 over her past three octagon appearances. Reneau was expected to face former UFC women’s featherweight champion Germaine de Randamie at yesterday’s event. Unfortunately for fight fans, “GDR” was forced to pullout of the fight with an injury. Now is the time to rebook this high profile fight for Reneau.
Who would you like to see these UFC Rotterdam winners fight in their next octagon appearances? Sound off PENN Nation!
This article first appeared on BJPENN.com September 3/2017