5 intriguing striker vs. grappler matchups the UFC must consider booking

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#4. Cory Sandhagen vs. Merab Dvalishvili

Sandhagen has four knockout wins in the UFC

Cory Sandhagen's high level of striking has been apparent to UFC fans for some time, particularly during his first-round knockout of Frankie Edgar. While he has now suffered two straight losses, as the No.3-ranked fighter, he is far too good to face someone too low ranked.

Merab Dvalishvili's gritty wrestling skills have seen him put together a remarkable seven-fight winning streak. He now deserves an opponent that could allow him to enter the conversation as one of the elite fighters in the division.

Sandhagen's losses have been very competitive and have come at the hands of world-class competitors in Petr Yan and T.J. Dillashaw. A fight with Merab Dvalishvilli would make a lot of sense for both men as they jockey for position in the UFC's deep bantamweight division.

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#3. Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Carla Esparza II

Joanna Jedrzejczyk knocked out Carla Esparza at UFC 185

While Joanna Jedrzejczyk did not compete in 2021, she is likely the GOAT of the UFC's strawweight division and will never be far from the title picture. Considering her previous time as strawweight champion and her wins in the division, she will likely never be far from the title picture. A win for the talented striker could earn her a third shot at current champ Rose Namajunas.

Carla Esparza is known for her wrestling ability and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She has won five straight and while some feel she is currently the number one contender, she may need one more win to completely ensure a shot at the title.

The two previously fought at UFC 185 when Jedrzejczyk won the strawweight title from Esparza. The pair could do battle once more to determine who is deserving of a shot at regaining the belt.