I was thinking about something original to make, some people may not like this, and it is totally fine.
What I'm going to provide you here, is 2 divisions' matchmaking how I would make things up if I was Maynard or Shelby. Part 1st: FLW.
🇧🇷 Pantoja vs. Mokaev/Kape Winner
Why? There is no other clear contender who can draw much attention right now as winner of these 2 can. If Mokaev wins, he draws so many Dagestanis, English, and guys on East in. If Kape wins, it is rematch against Pantoja after years, and many people seem to like Pantoja, and many people seem to hate Kape. Many eyes would watch that.
🇺🇲 Royval vs. Taira 🇯🇵
With Royval being 1-1 in last 2, L against Pantoja and narrow, unexpected win against Moreno, it should not be able to make him to go against Pantoja for 3rd time. On the other hand, Taira's only "legit" win is against guy who is now 1-4 in last 5 with 15 cancellations.
🇲🇽 Moreno vs. Albazi 🇮🇶
Moreno is out of the title picture after a while. Riding 2 L streak, and his "rest" that started at the end of February must be closing soon. He can fight another guy who is in "same" position as Taira is. Albazi is undefeated in UFC at 5-0, but 3 guys are cut, Costa fought him on his debut and his win against KKF is arguable.
🇳🇿 Kara-France vs. Erceg 🇦🇺
KKF fought twice in last 2 years and lost both times. He has 0 wins against active flyweights. Meanwhile, Erceg got unexpected shot at the title because division was stuck with no clear contender, and arguably won in his title bout. If Erceg wins, good for him, if KKF wins, it is not enough as it is for Erceg.
🇺🇲 Perez vs. Elliott 🇺🇲
No real reason why I put this one up. I like both and one's win is "guaranteed".
🇧🇷 Nicolau vs. Van 🇲🇲
Nicolau rode nice 4 fight win streak, including Pantoja in it before getting KOed twice. Joshua Van is the guy who is knocking on the doors of Top 15 of Flyweight division, and I think that Nicolau is just the guy for him right now.
🇺🇲 Schnell vs. Johnson 🇺🇲
Matt Schnell. That guy has a dog in him but he got finished so many times. Maybe it is good move to make him fight another dog? I think Johnson would be nice dance partner for him. Schnell is on his way out of the rankings, and Johnson is just about to enter.
🇷🇺 Ulanbekov vs. Mokaev/Kape Loser
Tagir Ulanbekov is 4-1 in UFC but his constant pullouts should be awarded with fighting one killer that will leave Manchester with L.
🇨🇿 Dvorak vs. Almabayev 🇰🇿
Dvorak is on 3 fight L streak, and Almabayev is on 3 fight W streak. Same story. One is on his way down, and one is on his way up.
Obviously, I will make match-ups for ranked guys only. Not whole division. Later today or tomorrow is coming out Bantamweight edition. Drop your thoughts.