UFC Vegas 122 produced several important results, but the conversation quickly shifted toward what comes next for Saturday’s winners. Brendan Allen strengthened his middleweight title ambitions, while Jai Herbert, Loopy Godinez, Andre Fili and Otari Tanzilovi improved their positions with victories in Las Vegas.The UFC Vegas 122 next fights discussion gained momentum after MMA Fighting’s On To the Next One podcast examined potential matchups. Allen’s callout of former champion Dricus du Plessis led the conversation, although the UFC has not confirmed any of the proposed fights.
Brendan Allen Calls Out Dricus du Plessis After UFC Vegas 122
Brendan Allen (28-7) delivered the biggest victory of UFC Vegas 122 by submitting Christian Leroy Duncan (15-3) in the fifth round. The American secured a rear-naked choke at 2:46 after a competitive middleweight main event. His victory extended his winning streak to four fights and kept him among the division’s leading contenders.
Allen wasted little time discussing his next opponent. He called for a matchup with former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, arguing that his recent performances deserve a bigger opportunity. The callout gives the UFC an interesting option as the middleweight division continues sorting out its championship picture.
Why Brendan Allen vs. Dricus du Plessis Makes Sense
A fight against du Plessis would provide Allen with an established opponent who has already reached the top of the division. Allen has continued winning against difficult competition, but another victory over a former champion would strengthen his case for a title opportunity.
Du Plessis also needs meaningful matchups as he works toward another championship run. Both fighters possess strong grappling skills, physical endurance and experience in demanding contests. Their different approaches to pressure and ground control could create an interesting five-round fight.
The matchup remains a possibility rather than an official booking. Allen has made his preference clear, but the UFC must consider the availability of other middleweight contenders before making a decision. Readers can follow the UFC middleweight rankings for more context on the division.
What’s Next for Christian Leroy Duncan After His First Main Event Loss?
Christian Leroy Duncan entered UFC Vegas 122 with five consecutive victories and an opportunity to establish himself near the top of the middleweight division. His recent wins over experienced opponents had generated considerable interest, but Allen presented a different challenge with his grappling and five-round experience.
Duncan remained competitive during several exchanges before losing by submission in the final round. The defeat ended his winning streak, although his performance showed that he could compete against an established contender. He now faces an important period as he looks to recover and rebuild momentum.
A Ranked Middleweight Could Help Duncan Rebound
Duncan does not necessarily need another opponent from the division’s top five immediately. A matchup against a ranked middleweight with comparable experience would allow him to address the weaknesses Allen exposed while remaining in meaningful competition.
Anthony Hernandez represents one possible opponent, depending on the UFC’s wider matchmaking plans. Hernandez’s aggressive grappling would present another difficult test, particularly after Duncan struggled with Allen’s ground control. However, the promotion has not announced any discussions involving the two fighters.
Duncan’s next performance will matter because he has already demonstrated his ability to defeat experienced opponents. The challenge now involves showing that he can make adjustments after a difficult five-round contest.
Jai Herbert Could Earn Another Established Lightweight Opponent
Jai Herbert (15-6-1) secured a unanimous decision victory over Matheus Camilo (11-4) in the UFC Vegas 122 co-main event. All three judges scored the lightweight contest 29-28 in Herbert’s favor. The result gave the British veteran another important win against a younger opponent trying to build momentum.
Herbert’s experience played an important role throughout the fight. He managed difficult exchanges and did enough to convince all three judges, despite Camilo’s attempts to establish his offense. The victory strengthened Herbert’s position as a competitive veteran in a crowded lightweight division.
Who Should Jai Herbert Fight Next?
Herbert could face another established lightweight who is looking to move forward after a recent victory or defeat. A matchup against a similarly experienced striker would allow him to build on the momentum from UFC Vegas 122 without immediately entering the division’s highest-ranked competition.
The UFC also has the option of pairing Herbert with another developing prospect. His experience makes him a useful test for younger fighters, while another victory would help him strengthen his own career. The promotion has not confirmed his next opponent.
Herbert’s win deserves attention because he entered the matchup facing questions about his ability to remain competitive against emerging talent. His performance showed that experience and technical discipline still matter in the lightweight division.
Loopy Godinez Faces Interesting Options After Ketlen Souza Win
Loopy Godinez (15-6) defeated Ketlen Souza (16-6) by unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 122. All three judges awarded Godinez the fight 29-28, although the result generated debate among viewers who believed Souza had done enough to win.
The strawweight contest featured competitive exchanges, with both fighters producing effective moments. Godinez ultimately received the judges’ decision and added another victory to her record. However, the close nature of the fight may influence how the UFC approaches her next matchup.
Could Loopy Godinez Face a Higher-Ranked Strawweight?
Godinez has established herself as an experienced competitor in the women’s strawweight division. Another matchup against a ranked opponent would give her an opportunity to strengthen her position and pursue bigger fights.
A rematch with Souza could also attract interest because of the disagreement surrounding their first result. However, the UFC generally has several options when a competitive decision leaves both fighters looking for another opportunity.
Godinez’s next opponent will depend on the availability of other strawweight contenders. For now, her victory provides momentum, even if the judging remains a talking point.
Andre Fili’s Knockout Opens the Door to Another Featherweight Test
Andre Fili (26-12, 1 NC) delivered one of the most impressive finishes at UFC Vegas 122. The veteran featherweight knocked out Kai Kamaka III (18-7-1) with a head kick just 22 seconds into the second round.
The finish came after a competitive opening round and immediately became one of the event’s major highlights. Fili’s timing and execution ended the contest before Kamaka could establish his rhythm in the second round. The victory gave Fili another memorable moment during his long UFC career.
Andre Fili Could Face Another Featherweight Veteran
Fili has competed against a wide range of featherweight opponents throughout his UFC career. His latest knockout gives the promotion an opportunity to match him against another experienced fighter who can provide an entertaining striking contest.
A matchup with a younger prospect would also make sense. Fili’s experience, movement and striking ability create a difficult challenge for opponents trying to establish themselves in the division. Another strong performance could help him secure a more prominent position on a future card.
The UFC has not announced Fili’s next fight, and his immediate options remain open. However, his finish against Kamaka provides a strong argument for another meaningful featherweight matchup.
Otari Tanzilovi Makes a Statement With Malcolm Wellmaker Knockout
Otari Tanzilovi (12-1) continued his impressive development with a second-round knockout victory over Malcolm Wellmaker (10-2). The bantamweight contest ended at 2:39 of the second round after Tanzilovi connected with a head kick.
The finish added another notable result to Tanzilovi’s growing record. Wellmaker entered the matchup with a reputation for dangerous striking, making the victory particularly valuable for the developing contender.
Tanzilovi’s performance also demonstrated that he can produce decisive finishes against opponents with strong offensive skills. The win should help him attract attention as the UFC considers future bantamweight matchups.
Should Otari Tanzilovi Face a Ranked Bantamweight Next?
Tanzilovi has earned an opportunity to test himself against stronger competition, although an immediate ranked matchup is not guaranteed. The UFC may prefer another experienced opponent before placing him against a top-15 contender.
A fight against a veteran bantamweight would help establish whether Tanzilovi can maintain his effectiveness against more experienced competition. His striking accuracy and finishing ability already make him an interesting prospect.
His next booking will reveal how quickly the UFC intends to move him through the division. For now, his knockout of Wellmaker represents an important step forward.
Other UFC Vegas 122 Winners Await Their Next Opponents
The preliminary card also produced several important results. Julius Walker defeated Gerald Meerschaert by second-round technical knockout, while Francisco Prado stopped Ismael Bonfim in the opening round. Both performances created different questions about the fighters’ futures.
Walker earned a notable victory against an experienced middleweight, while Prado ended a difficult losing streak. Their circumstances are different, but both fighters can use the results to pursue new opportunities.
Niko Price, Brendson Ribeiro, Allen Frye and Alice Pereira also recorded finishes on the preliminary card. Their performances contributed to an event featuring nine stoppages across 12 contests.
Readers can review the upcoming UFC events to follow confirmed bookings as the promotion announces new matchups.
Which UFC Vegas 122 Winner Has the Strongest Case for a Bigger Fight?
Allen has the clearest argument for a high-profile opponent because of his ranking and four consecutive victories. His submission of Duncan added another meaningful result to an already strong run, while his callout of du Plessis identified a specific target.
Fili also strengthened his case for a significant matchup after producing one of the night’s most impressive knockouts. His experience gives the UFC flexibility when choosing between established opponents and developing contenders.
Tanzilovi presents a different situation because his career is still developing. Another strong performance could move him closer to the bantamweight rankings, but the UFC may choose to build his experience gradually.
Godinez and Herbert remain competitive in their respective divisions, although their decision victories may not produce immediate opportunities against top-ranked opponents. Their next bookings will depend on the wider matchmaking picture.
UFC Vegas 122 Potential Next Fights
The following table presents possible directions based on the event’s results. These are editorial matchmaking suggestions, not confirmed UFC bookings or necessarily the specific picks made on MMA Fighting’s podcast.
| Fighter | Potential next direction | Reason |
| Brendan Allen | Dricus du Plessis | Allen’s callout and four-fight winning streak |
| Christian Leroy Duncan | Anthony Hernandez | Opportunity to rebound against ranked competition |
| Jai Herbert | Experienced lightweight or rising prospect | Build on his decision victory |
| Loopy Godinez | Ranked strawweight or Ketlen Souza rematch | Competitive decision leaves multiple options |
| Andre Fili | Established featherweight contender | Strong knockout creates momentum |
| Otari Tanzilovi | Experienced bantamweight veteran | Further test after impressive finish |
When Will the UFC Announce These Matchups?
The UFC has not confirmed the next opponents for the major UFC Vegas 122 winners. Matchmaking decisions depend on fighter availability, medical clearance, contract negotiations and the promotion’s upcoming schedule.
Allen’s callout provides the clearest indication of what one winner wants next. However, his preferred opponent must also agree to the matchup, and the promotion must decide where the fight fits within the middleweight division.
Other winners may receive opportunities on upcoming Fight Night cards. Their performances could influence how quickly the UFC schedules them, although no specific timelines have been announced.
Fans should treat proposed matchups as possibilities until the promotion confirms the relevant fights.
Final Thoughts
The UFC Vegas 122 next fights discussion centers on Brendan Allen after his fifth-round submission victory over Christian Leroy Duncan. Allen wants Dricus du Plessis, and his four-fight winning streak gives him a reasonable argument for facing another established middleweight.
Jai Herbert, Loopy Godinez, Andre Fili and Otari Tanzilovi also improved their positions with important victories. Their next opponents will depend on how the UFC balances experienced fighters, rising prospects and divisional rankings.
For now, Allen’s callout remains the biggest matchmaking development from the event. Whether the UFC grants his request could have an important impact on the middleweight title picture.
FAQs
Who should Brendan Allen fight after UFC Vegas 122?
Allen has called out former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis following his submission victory over Christian Leroy Duncan. The UFC has not confirmed the matchup.
Who won the UFC Vegas 122 main event?
Brendan Allen defeated Christian Leroy Duncan by rear-naked choke submission at 2:46 of the fifth round on October 10, 2026.
Who could Jai Herbert fight next?
Herbert could face another experienced lightweight or a developing prospect after defeating Matheus Camilo by unanimous decision. His next opponent remains unconfirmed.
What is next for Andre Fili after UFC Vegas 122?
Fili could receive another established featherweight opponent after knocking out Kai Kamaka III with a head kick. The UFC has not announced his next fight.
Are the UFC Vegas 122 next fights officially announced?
No. The matchups discussed here are potential options based on the event’s results and fighters’ comments, not confirmed UFC bookings.
