1. Brendan Allen
- Background: Cannonier’s loss to Imavov dropped him to the 5th spot in the middleweight rankings, while Allen currently sits at 7th. Allen boasts a seven-fight winning streak, with five of those wins coming via rear-naked choke finishes. Cannonier’s excellent takedown defense could pose a challenge for Allen’s grappling-oriented fighting style, potentially favoring Cannonier’s striking abilities.
- Reason: A matchup between Cannonier and Allen makes sense for both fighters. For Allen, a victory over a former title challenger like Cannonier would bolster his title aspirations. Conversely, a win over a streaking contender like Allen would demonstrate that Cannonier still belongs among the division’s elite.
2. Roman Dolidze
- Background: Dolidze is coming off a majority decision loss to Nassourdine Imavov, marking his second consecutive defeat after a three-fight winning streak. Cannonier’s victory over Marvin Vettori, who previously defeated Dolidze, adds an interesting narrative to this potential matchup.
- Reason: Dolidze’s ranking at 10th in the division offers Cannonier a chance to rebound with a victory against a lower-ranked opponent. The matchup presents an opportunity for Cannonier to regain momentum and potentially climb back up the rankings. For Dolidze, a victory over a former title challenger like Cannonier could propel him into the top 5 despite his recent setbacks.
3. Paulo Costa
- Background: Costa has experienced a slump since losing his undefeated record to Israel Adesanya, with a recent loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 302. Both Cannonier and Costa are former title challengers who have faced Adesanya in the past, adding intrigue to a potential matchup between them.
- Reason: Despite Costa’s recent struggles, a matchup with Cannonier presents an opportunity for both fighters to prove their relevance in the division. The winner could position themselves for a number one contender fight with a strong performance, making this a high-stakes matchup for both Cannonier and Costa.
