What's Next for the Prelim Card Fighters of UFC 303?4 months ago
Explore UFC 303 prelim highlights and what's next for fighters like Joe Pyfer, Andre Fili, Jean Silva, and more.

Middleweight: Joe Pyfer def. Marc-André Barriault by KO (punches) in Round 1 (1:25)

Joe Pyfer was impressed with a quick victory over Marc-André Barriault, who earned a Performance of the Night bonus. He called out Paul Craig post-fight, indicating interest in that matchup. For Barriault, who is now on a two-fight losing streak, facing the loser of AbdulRazak AlHassan vs. Cody Brundage at UFC Denver would provide a challenging opportunity to bounce back.

  • Next for Joe Pyfer: Potential matchup against Paul Craig, as indicated by his post-fight call-out.
  • Next for Marc-André Barriault: Facing the loser of AbdulRazak AlHassan vs. Cody Brundage at UFC Denver.

Featherweight: Andre Fili def. Cub Swanson by Split Decision (28–29, 29–28, 29–28)

Andre Fili edged out Cub Swanson in a closely contested fight that earned Fight of the Night honors. Despite Swanson’s strong performance, Fili’s strategic control and occasional takedowns secured him the win. Swanson, a UFC veteran, should consider retirement. Fili could potentially face Darren Elkins, another veteran with a victory over Swanson, in his next bout.

  • Next for Andre Fili: Darren Elkins, considering their similar career stages and Elkins’ victory over Swanson.
  • Next for Cub Swanson: Retirement is suggested, given his UFC Hall of Fame status and long career.

Catchweight (147.5 lb): Jean Silva def. Charles Jourdain by KO (punch) in Round 2 (1:22)

Jean Silva delivered a stunning knockout against Charles Jourdain, showcasing his dynamic striking. For Silva, a matchup against Sean Woodson makes sense, while Jourdain could face Alex Caceres, who is coming off a loss to Woodson and provides a competitive challenge in the featherweight division.

  • Next for Jean Silva: Sean Woodson, a competitive matchup in the featherweight division.
  • Next for Charles Jourdain: Alex Caceres, who provides a challenging opponent after his recent loss to Woodson.

Bantamweight: Payton Talbott def. Yanis Ghemmouri by KO (punches) in Round 1 (0:19)

Payton Talbott secured a quick and decisive victory over Yanis Ghemmouri with a first-round knockout. Talbott has called out Adrian Yanez, suggesting this is a potential next step before facing a ranked contender. For Ghemmouri, who is winless in the UFC, a matchup against Su Mudaerji, who lost his bantamweight debut, could provide an opportunity to earn his first UFC victory.

  • Next for Payton Talbott: Adrian Yanez, following his call-out post-fight, or another ranked contender in the bantamweight division.
  • Next for Yanis Ghemmouri: Su Mudaerji, in a matchup of bantamweights looking to secure their first UFC win.