5 UFC fights to make at bantamweight after Yan's win over Figueiredo

No one in the top 15 of the UFC bantamweight division has a fight booked following Petr Yan's big win over Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Macau on Saturday, so there's no time like the present to put on our matchmaker hat.

Here are five matchups we want to see come to fruition at 135 pounds - one of the promotion's deepest weight classes - as we get closer to 2025.

Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

Nothing needs to be said about this one. The UFC wants it, Nurmagomedov wants it, and Dvalishvili is at least open to it - it's just a matter of figuring out the timing and putting pen to paper. Nurmagomedov earned a title shot by beating Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi in August, and there's no way anyone should leapfrog the undefeated Dagestani. It might not be a pay-per-view blockbuster, but Dvalishvili-Nurmagomedov will be one of the most anticipated matchups among hardcore fans next year.

Sean O'Malley vs. Petr Yan 2

After seeing Yan beat Figueiredo, a rematch with O'Malley - ideally over five rounds this time - makes a lot of sense as a No. 1 contender bout. O'Malley pulled off a major upset against Yan in 2022, beating him via split decision. But it was an extremely controversial result. O'Malley needs a win before he can think about getting the title back, and so does Yan. Why not run it back and leave no room for questions? The winner would likely get the next title shot against either Dvalishvili or Nurmagomedov.

Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo

Though Sandhagen and Figueiredo are two of the top bantamweights in the UFC - No. 4 and No. 5, respectively - they're both coming off losses. And they need to get back on track if they want any shot of competing for a title in the foreseeable future. Stylistically, Sandhagen-Figueiredo could be a lot of fun, and it would be a good way to find out which one of them is a true title contender.

Marlon Vera vs. Henry Cejudo

Vera and Cejudo were scheduled to square off at UFC 292 in August 2023 before Cejudo pulled out with a shoulder injury. Neither has had any luck this year, going a combined 0-3 in the Octagon, so this matchup is a solid option for both men. Vera lost back-to-back fights to O'Malley (for the title) and Figueiredo, while Cejudo came up short to Dvalishvili. Cejudo likely has only one or two fights left before he retires for a second time, and a matchup with "Chito" would allow him to make one last push toward the top of the division.

Jose Aldo vs. Dominick Cruz

Cruz said last week he wants to have "one last dance" in 2025 before hanging up the gloves for good. Some would say the 39-year-old has been semi-retired for a while - he last fought in August 2022 and frequently serves as a UFC color commentator and analyst. If Cruz's next walk is indeed his last, the only opponent the promotion should consider is UFC Hall of Famer and former featherweight champion Jose Aldo. Two of the best fighters of the 2010s, Cruz and Aldo were champions at the same time in the WEC and then again in the UFC. A clash between these two legends would be iconic.