One fight for each winner from BKFC 62!
With BKFC 62 having come and gone, the time for reflecting on this massive success of a card is over and it's time to look to the future. Matchmaking is certainly not an easy thing to do but I came up with one option for each of the winners from BKFC 62. I tried to keep it brief, but there's a lot of thoughts to get out!
Kai Stewart vs. Number One Contender
While it seems as though BKFC did my job for me with the victorious Stewart facing off with Jimmie Rivera, but there are two other deserving contenders, Brandon Allen and James Brown with Rivera likely taking the next shot if these two could matchup in a number one contenders bout the winner would be by far the best candidate to face the winner of Stewart vs. Rivera.
Alberto Blas vs. Justin Ibarolla
As the adage goes, you aren’t the champ until you defend it, and for Blas this is a tall task. He has made light work of all of his BKFC opponents, including former champion Keith Richardson. But Justin Ibarolla is 4-0 and only seems to be picking up steam, stopping his last two opponents. Ryan Reber may have something to say about that but his most recent win was Anthony Foye who was coming off of a loss to Ibarolla. The star power of Ibarolla is evident and that does play a factor, I think this is the perfect first defense for Blas.
Jared Warren vs. Danny Christie
Warren was successful in his rematch with Jomi Escoboza to win the title, and for my money the rematches won’t stop there. Danny Christie has the best case to challenge for the 185-lb. title. His only bare knuckle loss has come to the now champion and since that loss he has won back to back fights. The rematch tour is firmly underway.
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
Leonardo Perdomo vs. Arnold Adams
Perdomo is the future of the heavyweight division. Fast, accurate and holds power in both hands. He is ready for a push. Arnold Adams has been inactive since losing to current champion Mick Terrill, but a former world champion is the exact type of test that Perdomo needs before he’s ready for a shot at the belt. Adams is by no means a pushover and would give us a chance to see what Perdomo looks like going against some adversity.
Justin Ibarrola vs. Alberto Blas
We’ve already gone over the matchup but Ibarolla has put together a solid body of work and has earned a title shot, the only thing that could get in the way is the fact there's a lot of contenders at bantamweight that all could lay claim to the next shot, like Ryan Reber and Chris Garcia.
Christine Vicens vs. Rosalinda Rodriguez
While all signs point to the fact the flyweight champion Christine Ferea will face top contender Jade Masson-Wong. And what's been prevalent throughout this piece so far, if you can’t fight the champion try to find the next best thing. In this case it’s rising contender Rosalinda Rodriguez. The only two other contenders who have a case could sure up their shot with a win over the other.
Gee Perez vs. JR Ridge
Gee Perez is a star and it's clear he has the skills to warrant the attention he has gained. Staying at his own weight he has won by stoppage in every contest. It’s time he starts his run to a title. A fight with Josh “JR” Ridge would do just that, both guys have good records. Ridge has fought for a world title and dropped a split decision to fellow top contender Tyler Randall meaning he could be looking for a bounce back, this is the perfect introduction to the top five for Perez.
Chris Garcia vs. Ryan Reber
Again just playing musical chairs with the top five at 135-lbs. Garcia and Reber could match up and solidify their case for a shot at Blas, throw Ibarrola in the mix here too, any of those three come up with a big win could book their ticket.
Edgard Plazaola vs. Louie Lopez
Edgard Plazaola is in a similar spot as Gee Perez, ready to crack that top five. Louie Lopez is our Josh Ridge in this scenario. Lopez has fought for a world title against Stewart coming up short for the vacant title. He has since taken two short notice fights in a row and gotten stopped both times. A full camp against the surging contender that is Plazaola could launch Lopez back to the top or add more momentum behind Plazaola and his undefeated trek to a title shot.
Wayna Reid vs. Brandon Shavers
Reid’s bout at BKFC 62 was at 165-lbs. If he is going to stay at welterweight Brandon Shavers is a perfect measuring stick to see how you stack up with the rest of the division, if he wins he belongs with some of the best, if not, maybe a trip back to 155-lbs. is warranted.
Josh Zuckerman vs. Derrick Findley
While Josh Zuckerman was successful in his BKFC debut winning by TKO in the fourth round, there’s still a lot to learn both from our side to see what Zuckerman is all about and for he himself to learn where he stands in the sport. Derrick Findley is back in action after two years and collected his first BKFC win, with both looking to string some wins together, this would be the perfect matchup.
David Simpson vs. Jay Jackson
In the same vein as Jared Warren, it’s rematch season! David Simpson has had mixed results in BKFC fighting some of the best in the world at that. It might be time for a rematch with a man who’s had a similar path, Jay Jackson. Both are coming off of a win and a familiar foe might result in a great fight!
Top Photo Courtesy of BKFC
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