UFC 246: McGregor vs Cowboy - What's next for the big winners from last night's show?

#2 Holly Holm

Holly Holm should now be considered a high-end gatekeeper by the UFC

Former UFC Bantamweight queen Holly Holm defeated Raquel Pennington by decision in the co-main event of last night’s show, but the victory came in an underwhelming fight that probably didn’t earn ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ many new fans.

The UFC is in a tricky spot with Holm in that she’ll always be a semi-big star due to her famous knockout of Ronda Rousey in 2015, but she isn’t a big enough draw to headline major shows on her own, and while she’s an excellent ‘b-side’ of sorts, losses in numerous title fights mean she’s more of a high-end gatekeeper these days.

With that in mind, the best fight for her in my opinion would be with Irene Aldana. The Mexican striker is coming off a big 2019 that saw her KO top contender Ketlen Vieira, and a win over Holm could net her a shot at Amanda Nunes. There’s less to gain for Holm, of course – but such is the life of a gatekeeper in the UFC.

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#3 Aleksei Oleinik

A fight between Aleksei Oleinik and Fabricio Werdum could make sense

Aleksei Oleinik got back to his winning ways last night with a submission of Maurice Greene. Nobody will mistake Greene for a title contender any time soon and so the win doesn’t put ‘The Boa Constrictor’ into contention, but it was still important for a 42-year old fighter who’s now into his 4th decade of action.leksei Oleinik got back to his winning ways last night with a submission of Maurice Greene. Nobody will mistake Greene for a title contender any time soon and so the win doesn’t put ‘The Boa Constrictor’ into contention, but it was still important for a 42-year old fighter who’s now into his 4th decade of action.

Oleinik has fought plenty of opponents in his UFC career ranging from prospects and contenders to journeymen and veterans, and his next step all depends on whether the promotion considers him a gatekeeper or a potential “fun” fighter who could main event regional cards.

For us, a good next fight for him could be Fabricio Werdum. The former UFC Heavyweight champion is free to return from a USADA suspension in early April, meaning a fight in the Spring with Oleinik could be a possibility. It’d be a match of two longtime veterans – Werdum is also 42 years old – and ‘Vai Cavalo’ would also represent one of the few big men who could match the Ukrainian on the ground.