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- Volkanovski’s next chapter: Could a move to lightweight and a fight with Justin Gaethje define his legacy?
- Petr Yan versus Sean O’Malley II: A rematch that would reignite bantamweight rivalries
- Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Tatsuro Taira: A pivotal flyweight test for a rising prospect
- Alexander Volkov and Ciryl Gane: A trilogy that could decide the next heavyweight challenger
- Aaron Pico vs. Arnold Allen: The veteran test Pico needs to solidify contender status
UFC 333 left plenty to unpack: established champions held firm, rising stars announced themselves in emphatic fashion, and heavyweight contenders reminded fans they still belong in the conversation. As the event dust settles, the matchmaking possibilities feel both obvious and tempting — fights that could reshape divisions or cement legacies.
Below, we map out the most compelling next steps for the fighters who stood out in Las Vegas, weighing stylistic clashes, title implications and the storyline value each matchup would bring to the promotion and to fans.
Volkanovski’s next chapter: Could a move to lightweight and a fight with Justin Gaethje define his legacy?
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Why the jump makes sense
Alexander Volkanovski keeps extending his résumé at featherweight, but with fewer fresh challengers on the horizon, a shift to lightweight is increasingly logical. At 38 years old, Volkanovski has proven he can handle bigger opponents, and a bout with Justin Gaethje would be one of the most talked-about cross-divisional tests possible: two battle-hardened veterans known for pace, durability and fight IQ.
How the styles match up
- Volkanovski: technical pressure, excellent cardio and the ability to neutralize size through movement and timing.
- Gaethje: explosive power, nonstop aggression and a fight-finishing mentality that forces opponents into firefights.
What’s at stake
- A victory would fast-track Volkanovski’s claim as one of the sport’s all-time greats across multiple weight classes.
- For Gaethje, a win over a reigning champion from another division would be a marquee legacy moment and a huge promotional draw.
Stylistically and narratively, the matchup sells itself — it’s a clash of tactics and temperament that could headline pay-per-views and settle debates about versatility and toughness at the top of the sport.
Petr Yan versus Sean O’Malley II: A rematch that would reignite bantamweight rivalries
Context and history
Petr Yan defended his bantamweight title at UFC 333 and closed the chapter on his trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili. With that rivalry settled, the most natural next test is a return bout with Sean O’Malley. Their initial meeting ended in a split decision for O’Malley — a result that left plenty of questions.
Why fans want the rematch
- Unfinished business: Both fighters have changed since their 2022 meeting, which raises the stakes for a true measuring stick.
- Styles create fireworks: Yan’s well-rounded pressure versus O’Malley’s dynamic striking and creativity makes for high drama and highlight-reel potential.
- Championship implications: Putting the belt back on the line adds finality to their rivalry and clarity to the division.
Possible outcomes and significance
A Yan victory would reaffirm his standing as the division’s most complete fighter. An O’Malley upset would reshape the bantamweight landscape and add another chapter to his star-making trajectory. Either way, the fight offers narrative and sporting value.
Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Tatsuro Taira: A pivotal flyweight test for a rising prospect
Where both fighters stand
Lone’er Kavanagh announced himself with a quick first-round finish at UFC 333, accelerating his rise through the flyweight pack. Meanwhile, Tatsuro Taira has built a reputation as a submission threat with steady technical growth.
Matchup mechanics
- Kavanagh: speed, crisp striking and an eye for finishes that can overwhelm opponents early.
- Taira: grappling savvy, a willingness to engage on the mat and a disciplined game plan that can change fight trajectories.
Why this pairing matters
This matchup would test whether Kavanagh’s striking can stand up to an opponent who seeks to drag fights into the clinch and on the ground. For Taira, it’s an opportunity to halt a momentum surge and stake his own claim toward the title picture. Both men could move into genuine contention with a big result.
Alexander Volkov and Ciryl Gane: A trilogy that could decide the next heavyweight challenger
Trilogy narrative and prior results
Alexander Volkov stayed relevant in the heavyweight chase with a decision win that kept him visible among the division’s upper tier. Ciryl Gane has already edged Volkov twice, and those two outcomes set up an organic third chapter: a fight to settle who advances toward another title opportunity.
How both have evolved
- Volkov’s striking has grown more measured and increasingly dangerous at range.
- Gane remains one of the division’s most mobile, technically gifted heavyweights, mixing footwork and timing to outpoint opponents.
Stakes and storyline
A trilogy bout is less about novelty and more about resolution. With title shots hovering as a possibility, the matchup has legitimate competitive meaning beyond mere entertainment: it’s a doorway to the championship picture or confirmation that one fighter has already done enough to be considered elite.
Aaron Pico vs. Arnold Allen: The veteran test Pico needs to solidify contender status
Pico’s momentum and the missed opportunity
Aaron Pico delivered a first-round TKO at UFC 333, reminding fans why his pro pedigree once carried such hype. He was scheduled to meet Arnold Allen earlier before the bout fell through, and that canceled pairing still feels overdue.
What this fight would reveal
- Against Allen: Pico would face a polished technician with veteran savvy and precision striking that can expose defensive lapses.
- For Pico: the matchup offers a definitive litmus test — can he translate raw power into consistent success against top-level opposition?
Implications for the featherweight hierarchy
If Pico wins, he vaults closer to meaningful contention and validates the promotion’s long-term investment. If Allen prevails, he reinforces his status as a steady contender and closes the door on a would-be upset. Either outcome moves the featherweight picture forward.
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John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.
