Fight Forecast: Matches to make after UFC Mexico City
After UFC Fight Night 98, theScore's Themistoklis Alexis picks which matchups should be made for the evening's headliners and biggest winners.
Tony Ferguson vs. Eddie Alvarez-Conor McGregor winner
Khabib Nurmagomedov can kick and scream for a title shot all he wants, but it's time Tony Ferguson was rewarded for his workmanship and patience.
"El Cucuy" added a valuable scalp to his collection in former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, taking a five-round unanimous decision to headline Saturday's proceedings. The high-caliber conquest gives Ferguson the division's longest winning streak with nine, which - if the promotion hasn't erased "meritocracy" from its lexicon - should move him to the front of the line to challenge the winner of UFC 205's marquee matchup.
Should the UFC opt to book Ferguson in a title eliminator instead, the winner of next Saturday's bout between Nurmagomedov and Michael Johnson makes the most sense. Several previous meetings with "The Eagle" have fallen through, while Johnson owns Ferguson's sole UFC defeat.
Related: Ferguson defeats at UFC Mexico City for 9th straight win
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Nate Diaz II
An eight-year stint in the UFC has left Rafael dos Anjos with few potential takers.
The former champ suffered his second straight loss as his comeback trail hit a blockade in the form of Tony Ferguson on Saturday, but the Brazilian's lengthy rap sheet should net him another elite opponent.
Fifth-ranked Edson Barboza is riding a two-fight win streak over quality competition, leaving Nate Diaz as dos Anjos' only option in the top five. "RDA" took a 2014 decision over the Stockton scrapper, who's coming off a majority decision loss of his own to Conor McGregor. A rematch with dos Anjos would allow Diaz to avenge a tough loss and keep busy until a trilogy with the Irishman materializes.
Ricardo Lamas vs. Frankie Edgar-Jeremy Stephens winner
Ricardo Lamas' fight tape betrays a fighter who tends to flirt with danger. Luckily for "The Bully," UFC 205 features a pair of fighters who'd gladly feed his habit.
Related: Lamas survives submission scare, chokes out Oliveira in 2nd round
Former featherweight title challenger Frankie Edgar is set to tangle with the deadly Jeremy Stephens next week. A win over either would add a highly coveted feather to Lamas' cap and make his case to challenge for the title airtight.
Alexa Grasso vs. Carla Esparza
As predicted, the notion of Octagon jitters is completely alien to Alexa Grasso.
The 23-year-old prospect handily swept the scorecards to beat Heather Jo Clarkin in her UFC debut on Saturday. With several members of the ranked strawweight contingent either booked or coming off losses, Grasso could very well square off with the division's first champion in her next bout. The gritty Carla Esparza - who's coming off a decision win over Julianna Lima at UFC 197 - is just the fighter to take Grasso out of her comfort zone and accelerate her growth in the cage, win or lose.
Related: Grasso wins one-sided decision over Clark in UFC debut