Matches to Make After UFC 309

The Ultimate Fighting Championship returned to New York with a historic heavyweight championship bout. UFC 309 saw Jon Jones successfully defend his heavyweight gold against former titleholder Stipe Miocic. However, it was far more than just a one-fight card and the pay-per-view will have an impact on several divisions moving forward.

Here are five matches to make following UFC 309.

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall

Jones is still the UFC heavyweight champion after knocking out Miocic in the main event with plenty of style after landing a spinning back kick to the body. Now 28-1 with one no contest, there’s little left for Jones to achieve inside the Octagon at 37. While retirement might be next, a unification fight against interim champion Aspinall would make sense if “Bones” can be convinced to stick around. Aspinall (15-3) is riding a three-fight win streak that includes TKO wins over Curtis Blaydes, Sergei Pavlovich and Marcin Tybura. It’d be a great fight, so let’s just hope the UFC gets it made.

Charles Oliveira vs. Renato “Money” Moicano

Oliveira survived a scare late in the fifth round of his rematch against Michael Chandler to secure a second victory over “Iron.” Due to a recent loss to Arman Tsarukyan, who is facing Islam Makhachev next, "Do Bronx" is still at least another bout away from a shot at reclaiming the lightweight title. As such, a fun next fight would be against a fellow Brazilian in Carneiro. "Money Moicano" is on an impressive four-fight win streak that includes victories over Benoit St. Denis, Jalin Turner and Drew Dober. It's a good way to reward Moicano (20-5-1) with a top contender while also allowing Oliveira (34-10, 1 NC) a chance to stay busy and earn a title shot.

Related » UFC 309 Round-by-Round Scoring

Bo Nickal vs. Joe Pyfer

Nickal stayed undefeated by outstriking a game veteran in Paul Craig. Nickal, now 7-0 as a pro, looked very human against “Bearjew,” though, and any talk of fast tracking the middleweight prospect has likely died down. Let’s test the wrestler against another prospect that has dangerous hands, such as Pyfer. “Bodybagz” recently rebounded from his first UFC defeat to Jack Hermansson with a win over Marc-Andre Barriault and is 13-3 in his career. Whoever emerges victorious would be worth keeping an eye on as they start taking on contenders next.

Viviane Araujo vs. Rose Namajunas

Araujo was able to pump the brakes on Karine Silva's hype train by earning a decision win. Araujo (13-6) has now won two of her last three and is ready for a tougher test. I'd like to see "Vivi" go up against former strawweight queen Namajunas, who is coming off a disappointing setback to Erin Blanchfield. That way we can see how much "Thug" has left in the tank and Araujo will get a chance to cement herself as a contender at flyweight.

Mauricio Ruffy vs. Charlie Campbell

Ruffy continued his ascent up the lightweight ladder by winning a unanimous decision over James Llontop in the main card's opening fight. That makes the Brazilian 2-0 inside the UFC and 11-1 as a professional mixed martial artist. "One Shot" was previously scheduled to fight Campbell and I'd like to see that fight rebooked. Given that "The Cannibal" is also 2-0 inside the UFC and it'd be quite the fun striking battle with the winner being a prospect to watch.