5 potential opponents for Jack Hermansson after latest setback

#4. Jack Hermansson vs. Krzysztof Jotko

Krzysztof Jotko holds a record of 23-5

While you might not think Krzysztof Jotko is deserving of a shot at Jack Hermansson, the Polish fighter has quietly won four of his last five. The only loss Jotko has suffered during this run was against one Sean Strickland.

With Jotko now seemingly on the edge of becoming ranked and Hermansson presumably facing a drop down the rankings, a fight between the pair could make sense.

Should the pair meet, Jotko would get the opportunity for a statement win to break him into the top 15 and Hermansson can prove he is a better fighter than he showed against Strickland. Matching these two up in an event in Europe could also make for a highly invested crowd who would get to see two of the best middleweights on the continent.

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#3. Jack Hermansson vs. Brad Tavares

Brad Tavares holds a record of 19-6

While Jack Hermansson will surely see his ranking drop, pitting him against an unranked fighter might be a step too far. Instead, having him fight the No.11 ranked fighter who is currently on a two-fight win streak, might be a more appropriate level of opponent.

Brad Tavares had lost consecutive fights to Israel Adesanya and Edmen Shahbazyan but rebounded after a year out with consecutive wins. He holds a 14-6 record in the UFC and has likely done enough now to take on someone above him in the rankings.

Tavares and Hermansson appear very evenly matched on paper and each man is approaching a critical point in their respective careers. The winner would have his ranked status validated and be well positioned for some big-name fights moving forward.

However, for the loser, the dream of one day entering the title picture would likely be out of reach for good.