Matches to Make After UFC on ESPN 51

The latest Ultimate Fighting Championship event featured some unexpected results and left the door open for potential intriguing matchups.

UFC on ESPN 51 is in the books, with Vicente Luque making a successful Octagon return a year after suffering that worrying knockout loss against Geoff Neal in August 2022. In a highly-anticipated welterweight showdown, “The Silent Assassin” clashed with former 155-pound titleholder Rafael dos Anjos in a five-round battle. Luque's striking and clinch work were key factors throughout the match. Ultimately, Luque's well-rounded performance earned him a hard-fought unanimous decision.

In the thrilling featherweight co-headliner, Cub Swanson and Hakeem Dawodu engaged in an action-packed, three-round affair. The fight showcased a back-and-forth exchange of strikes, with both duelists displaying their striking arsenal. Swanson's aggressive approach led to intense slugfests, while Dawodu countered with technical precision. After the dust settled, the judges rewarded Swanson’s resilience with a unanimous decision victory.

Here’s a list of matchups worth exploring after UFC on ESPN 51.

Vicente Luque vs. Sean Brady

A clash of surging welterweight contenders promises a thrilling and dynamic contest featuring explosive striking exchanges and strategic grappling exchanges. Luque is known for his aggressive striking style and potent finishing abilities, while Brady brings a well-rounded game with strong grappling and wrestling skills. The welterweight division is stacked with talent and competitiveness. The outcome of this matchup could significantly impact the division's landscape as a win for either fighter could significantly propel them toward the top of the and potentially earn them a shot at higher-ranked opponents or title contention.

Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo

Years might pass, but Swanson is still a menace to reckon with in the Octagon. After 12 years in the UFC, finding an opponent he hasn’t faced yet in the 145-pound division is quite challenging. Coming off a recent unanimous decision over Damon Jackson, Billy Quarantillo looks like a suitable adversary for “Killer.” Swanson's veteran experience, striking creativity and willingness to engage in exciting brawls would mesh well with Quarantillo's aggressive and relentless approach. It could result in a thrilling back-and-forth tilt with the potential for a dramatic finish.

Khalil Rountree vs. Nikita Krylov

Rountree's muay thai and suddenness proved to be the decisive factors in his latest assignment, showcasing his dominance in the division with a fourth straight win and further solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the UFC. Looking at the top of the 205-pound division, Krylov immediately comes to mind for an enthralling matchup. Both fighters possess high finish rates and a penchant for delivering thrilling fights, ensuring an action-packed encounter. Rountree's power and striking precision would test Krylov's durability, while The Miner’s grappling and submission threat could pose challenges for Rountree.

Iasmin Lucindo vs. Cory McKenna

Lucindo's recent victory over Viana marked her return to winning by submission, showcasing her skills and ability to finish the fight on her terms. McKenna would definitely be an interesting opponent for Lucindo in the women’s strawweight division, with both fighters coming off back-to-back triumphs. Both fighters have shown their versatility, with McKenna's striking combinations and clinch control contrasting Lucindo's dynamic striking techniques and grappling prowess. Lucindo's submission threat and ground game would be tested against McKenna's ability to mix striking with takedowns and ground control.

Josh Fremd vs. A.J. Dobson

Both Fremd and Dobson walked out at UFC on ESPN 51 on a mission to cement their status in the middleweight division and picked up a decision victory at the end of the night. Fremd demonstrated a diverse range of techniques, while Dana White’s Contender Series alum Dobson secured a win through a methodical performance that focused on control and effective counter-striking. Provided the 6-foot-4 tall Fremd can make the 185-pound division limit again (since he missed weight by three pounds ahead of his latest assignment), a matchup between Fremd and Dobson would be compelling due to their determination and ability to adapt.