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The final paper-per-view event of the revolution sent final sparks across the skies with a blend of expectation turned reality, and clarity. Topped off with the trend of horrific judging, continuing. UFC's flyweight king showed there is levels at the grand level. Two banger chess matches gave ease. Pure sparks across the skies as the revolution nears complete, with the next revolution- ready to set a new era in the fight game.
MMA is known as the human game of chess; 310 delivered two gorgeous chess matches: Evloev defeating Sterling, and the co-main war that had Shavkat claim a nail-biting decision over Machado-Garry. Both fights were extremely competitive, with each being a battle of department skill at the highest level. Powered by the grappling and wrestling departments; true MMA fans were in heaven, especially with these two examples; as all four fighters had finishing capability across the board. The pace was intense; the comp' was incredible.
Movsar Evloev keeps his zero, moving to 19-0 with a huge statement, claiming victory over a game Aljo Sterling in a pure barn-burner of a fight. It was a massive test for Movsar, who passed with near flying colors. Decision junkie or not, Movsar is looking better and better each fight as he climbs the featherweight ladder. There is no denying Sterling's skill in the grappling and wrestling game, he's one of the very elite on the planet (across any weight); Evloev showed he is just as elite, not allowing the flow of the bout to shift to Aljo's favor.
Movsar was also exceptional in the striking department, doubling up Aljo's totals, landing 136/165 strikes (only 8/26 significant...). It was a superb performance. Part of me felt Aljo should have gotten the nod, but after rewatching the fight; the nod for Evloev is correct. He won the higher amount of the exchanges, and the striking numbers couldn't be skipped over. This quick snippet is a perfect example on how back and fourth the chess match was in the grappling & wrestling departments:
video via @FEDZ_MMA/X
Evloev’s win is far greater than the usual 5 beating a 9. Aljo is a dangerous-dangerous newly turned featherweight, who looked great against Kattar, and is widely known as a top fighter of all-time in another weight class. The win is big and sets up Movsar nicely. So good, that Movsar could be next in line for Topuria... or for a vacant title, as the champ is hinting at dropping the belt to focus on a move to 155, and a challenge with Do Bronxs (Ilia's words). Hard to know if that will come into fruition, or if it's just Ilia speaking out loud, the aspirations that run rapid in his mind-space. Topuria is always looking ahead, looking beyond.
There are two Ifs when looking at what's next. If Topuria defends the 145 belt next, you have to think it's Volkanovski, who remains firm on his next fight being a title rematch clause. After that, it's safe to say the undefeated Evloev is to follow in the line. Secondly, if Topuria vacates the belt, then it could be Volk versus Movsar; Yair versus Movsar; or Lopes/Movsar II (Evloev has a win over Lopes). There is a lot to unpack once we flip the calendar year. What's certain? Movsar's successful performance at 310 places him right into title discussions at 145. 19-0 is damn impressive, the next big zero for someone to chase in quest.
The co-main war was even grander with Shavkat surviving a barn burner decision against Machado-Garry. Excellent-excellent fight. Garry was THIS close to shocking the world and ending the train:
Shavkat’s sub escape was reminiscent of Volk escaping Ortega. Had the viewers on edge! Ian was oh-oh-so close to slaying. Just a few minor errors allowed him to not execute the finish, errors exposed by Shavkat- to create an escape. Ian will surely want to get in the lab with Oliveira to correct those mistakes. The loss does not hurt Garry’s stock. Not in the slightest. It was a close fight. Personally, I have to rewatch in order to create a true and final opinion/winner of my own. Nothing off first watch created appall in Shavkat, but a rewatch I must.
That was the best way possible for Ian to lose his zero. The cat is an elite fighter, and has strong work ethic... he will be back hungry for Shavkat in no time. Big time win for Shavkat. Rankings aside, the comp' was near the comp of what he will face with Belal. I think both Shavkat, and Garry are worthy of slaying Muhammad. The original title matchup now has more appeal, in my opinion. It's going to be interesting after seeing 310's co-main… very interesting. I will say- the injury is playing to Muhammad's advantage.
Sitting up close live, watching Shavkat get tested, seeing his weaknesses be placed on the table by Ian was huge for Belal to study. Valuable recon time spent that Belal can now use in training and preparation for the title defense. You can say it was good for Shavkat as well however, as facing a strong test before the final exam is always a good tool for progression... and future mastery. Sense the more appeal; that's going to be a scrap. Hopefully it can happen before April.
Again, no stock drop for Garry; he should fight either the winner of Buckley/Colby or JDM next, to determine the next in line behind Shavkat. Preferably JDM; that's a money fight. More cards could be in play if Brady, Edwards, and Usman decide they want to fight in the first half of the new year. Both Shavkat and Garry have exciting future matchups coming up next. Fight fans were blessed to watch them square off with both their zeros on the line. It was an awesome fight that had you on the edge of your seat. One we might see ran back some time in the future.
The co-main set the stage for flyweight king Pantoja to show Kai Asakura that there are levels in the UFC… the same lesson the first RIZIN import superstar Prochàzka has learned. Pantoja was beyond locked in, and in attack mode unlike any time before lookin' like a wolverine going straight at Kai. This was the opening exchange:
video via @AjDuxche//X
That flying knee was nuts by Kai; Pantoja ate it like it was nothing and went right forward. Don't get me wrong, Asakura showed he belonged in the UFC, he just is no where near the skill that Pantoja is currently. Pantoja's performance was personal; his intent was to prove that there's levels in the UFC. Asakura had some sharp striking, but Pantoja was on another level in all facets. The transitions, blitzes, hooks, trips, and tenacity was some of his sharpest work as he finished Asakura with a deep RNC:
video via @OpenNoteGrapple/X
Beautiful hand work by the champ to secure the finish. Asakura was bold for facing the reaper and not tapping- that I give him, but he was out-matched and had to face demise. Pantoja now has three successful title defenses to secure his place in the flyweight stratosphere. Figgy’s move up and the weird Royval/Moreno line may make the division seem bleak, but there is still challenges for Pantoja next. The quick desperation for wanting a fantasy matchup with Demetrius Johnson is so weird. Like really? Kai-Kara France can be next, or you can run Almabayev before the chances of Royval/Moreno strike bad again.
There is so much to unpack across all the divisions in the UFC as we are soon to start a new revolution. UFC matchmaking is finally starting to put together a small load to unpack with four massive title fights being announced that will kick off 2025 with a bang. LA is shining bright with Umar/Merab & Islam/Arman II (Hill/Prochàzka also on the card). Then two bangers down under as du Plessis and Strickland run it back, plus Weili meets a grand new challenger in Tatiana Suarez. The banger alert is at full sound for those five matchups.
Perfect bookings. The right options in my opinion, especially the Strawweight title fight. I mean come on! The appeal bar for a Weili/Suarez fight is at max-fill. That fight is bound to deliver noise. Booking Stickland/DDP II is also a great route. Strickland 100% deserved a rematch clause, despite not having a title defense, and despite you fake MMA fans only wanting Chimaev for finish potential. The decision in the first fight was far to close to say a clause is undeserving. That was a real solid chess match; the second fight will be just as good. I get wanting Chimaev, his time is nearing- I think Strickland is perfect to get the shot first. It also assures the fight that follows to be a banger. Chimaev against either one is money.
Despite the recent bookings, the schedule is still bare. We await more fight announcements to drop. With just one more event in '24, and the event not having any highly ranked fighters, those bookings should be coming very-very soon. I can't wait to see what Hunter and co. cook up. 2025 should be quite the ride in the Octagon. My updated pound-for-pound lists going into the new year for both the men and women:
Men's:
WoMen's:
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