Matches to make for UFC 284 winners

Matches to make for Yair Rodriguez, Islam Makhachev, and other UFC 284 winners.

To say that UFC 284 delivered is an aggressive understatement. The RAC Arena has a capacity of 15,000, but it sounded like the whole population gathered for the UFC’s first event in Perth, Australia since 2018.

The event boasted two title bouts, including the super fight in which featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski challenged lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for his 155-pound strap. But those who only saw the last two bouts missed out, as the main card was fireworks from start to finish.

Now two days removed from the madness, it is time to discuss what’s ahead for the victors. Here are the matches to be made.

What comes next for UFC 284 winners?

Jimmy Crute vs. Alonzo Menifield 2

Jimmy Crute and Alonzo Menifield started the pay-per-view off with a bang. And at the end of three rounds, they were so close that it resulted in a majority draw. Menifield got saved by the bell in round one, and Crute got the same help at the end of the second. They took turns being on the end of the other’s onslaught, and the third round proved unable to define a winner. Without question, they need to run it back.

Justin Tafa vs. Chris Barnett

Justin Tafa made quick work out of Parker Porter. Tafa landed a left hand as his opponent stepped in and casually walked away a la Mark Hunt to earn his fourth first-round finish. Tafa has a long way to go, but there are plenty of good matchups at the bottom of the heavyweight division. Fellow heavy-hitter Chris Barnett would be a good match for Tafa. Aside from their nearly identical UFC records, the fight would be highly entertaining and help the winner boost themself ahead in the rankings.

Jack Della Maddalena vs. Kevin Holland

Jack Della Maddalena made it clear that when he returns from a vacation in Bali, he wants a top-15 opponent. And after submitting Randy Brown in an impressive performance, the request was warranted but overstretching. Although not a top-15 fighter, Kevin Holland is in a viable position to fight next. The ever-entertaining Holland is coming off back-to-back losses and could use a win. Meanwhile, Della Maddalena could use a springboard as his hype train takes off. If he can get past Holland, he gets closer to the top of the heap.

Yair Rodriguez vs. Alexander Volkanovski

In the co-main event, Yair Rodriguez put on a showcase against Josh Emmett. With a second-round submission win, Rodriguez captured the interim featherweight championship, becoming the second Mexican-born UFC champion in history. The next step is as clear as daylight; Rodriguez has to fight undisputed featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Despite failing to gain double-champ status, Volkanovski is still the reigning king of the featherweight division and has to defend his throne against a worthy foe in Rodriguez.

Islam Makhachev vs. Beneil Dariush

Islam Makhachev got pushed to his limits against Alexander Volkanovski. After steamrolling his way to the lightweight title, he took on a worthy challenger and won the decision at the end of five rounds. While the super fight became an instant classic and left fans crying for a rematch, Volkanovski has a title to defend a weight class below. As for Makhachev, his next title defense should be against Beneil Dariush. Given his body of work, Dariush has been long-worthy of the title shot, and no better time than now to get the chance he absolutely deserves. Now that the lightweights have a blueprint for containing their champion, many will call for that fight, and Dariush should get the first crack.