UFC 289 Aftermath: Where The Winners Go

UFC 289 has made a wake that the MMA community cannot ignore. Here for all of the matches to make minutes removed from the PPV, read below to see how we play matchmaker.

UFC 289 Results: Nunes Retains Bantamweight Gold

Dec 11, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Amanda Nunes moves in with a hit against Julianna Pena during UFC 269 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA – Photo by Icon sports

After controlling 5 rounds against Aldana, Nunes is able to retain her title. Though there wasn’t a finish, ‘Lioness’ reminded everyone that she can go five rounds and that she’s got a very complete skillset. Aldana went five rounds with the best woman fighter ever, and she even had flashes of success in the fight. This may be a loss, but she shouldn’t lose any stock for her valiant effort.

Moving forward. what else is there other than running it back with Juliana Peña? This was the originally slated bout for tonight and it’s the fight that should happen next for the division. The two each have a win over the other and this fight could be bigger now that it would’ve been had Juliana made the walk last night.

However, that’s not likely. After winning, Nunes decided to hang the gloves up. She’s done it all in the sport! Now, fighters do often change their mind after some time off, but if this is it for Nunes, which is likely, she’s going down in history as one of the best to ever do it.

UFC 289: The Former Champ Gets The Win

Charles Oliveira went in and did what not a lot of people thought he could do — he ended the winning streak of Beneil Dariush. There’s not much to say other than “title shot”. What else is there for ‘do Bronx’? He deserves a shot at gold at the next given opportunity.

Makhachev doesn’t have a dance partner right now. The UFC has hinted at giving the featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, another crack at Islam, but he’s got a tough task ahead of him in Yair Rodriguez to get through first. Charles has made it very difficult for the UFC to entertain anything other than a title shot next.

UFC 289 Results: Mike Mallott Shows Out For Homecoming

Mike Mallott was tested a bit, and he was brought out of the first round. The durability was there, but it was not enough. Mike got going and was able to put his hands and feet to work. Not a stranger to the finish, Mike got the job done in round two.

Moving forward, it’s looking like Mike needs a big push in competition. Why not match him with Matt Brown? Seasoned vet vs the relative new kid on the block, this matchup can’t not be fun.

UFC 289 Results: Dan Ige Wins Against Landwehr

Dan Ige has proven that he belongs in the top 15. After a great fight, Dan gets the work done and is able to show that he’s here and he’s not going anywhere. So, for his next fight, who should Ige take on?

Bryce Mitchell is a big name, a worthy opponent, and someone that Ige deserves as he moves up the ranks

Official Result: Marc-André Barriault Defeats Eryk Anders

After this middleweight war, we’ve got a bit more clarity as to who is next to move up in the 185lb division. Despite a furious attack from Anders, he fell short on the judges’ scorecards against Barriault. So, in terms of the next opponent? Michal Oleksiejczuk. That’s not a terribly stark step up in the ranks, nor is it anything super far-fetched.