5 fights to make after UFC Austin

#4. Joaquin Buckley vs. Ian Heinisch - UFC middleweight division

Joaquin Buckley defeated Abert Duraev via TKO at UFC Austin

Joaquin Buckley finally seems to be becoming the talent that fans hoped he would after his highlight-reel KO of Impa Kasanganay back in 2020. However, the promotion would be smart not to rush him into big fights too quickly and ruin Buckley’s current run of form.

With many of the fighters on the cusp of the middleweight rankings currently scheduled for upcoming bouts, Ian Heinisch is one without an opponent. He may have lost two straight but he has been in there with some of the best in the division, including Derek Brunson and Kelvin Gastelum.

If Buckley were to win this fight, it would then be time to match him up with a ranked opponent and see just how far he can go. Otherwise, he can continue to be a dynamite block on UFC undercards.

This seems like an appropriate fight for two men who are very talented but may not be ready for ranked competition right now.

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#3. Calvin Kattar vs. Chan Sung Jung - UFC featherweight division

Calvin Kattar lost to Josh Emmett via split decision at UFC Austin

Calvin Kattar finds himself in somewhat of an odd predicament following his narrow loss to Josh Emmett last weekend. He has previously proven his class against the likes of Giga Chikadze, so fighting anyone outside of the top 10 doesn’t make much sense.

'The Korean Zombie' was open about considering retirement after losing to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 273. While he ultimately decided against it, you would imagine that fights against up-and-coming prospects in the division wouldn’t interest him much. Kattar could therefore be a good fit.

The two fighters are now in limbo after suffering losses in important fights. Matching them up ensures one of these men would be able to rebound and head back towards the top of the division.

With that being said, the loser would be in a particularly tough spot after suffering consecutive losses.