UFC Shenzhen was all wrapped up and China made the biggest splash of the night. Capturing the first ever Chinese UFC champion, the Chinese faithful were wired up. Let’s take a look at what’s next for some of the fighters on UFC Shenzhen.
Kai Kara-France Showcases His Creative Striking Arsenal
Next opponent for Mark De La Rosa: Jose Torres, Raulian Paiva
Mark De La Rosa had nothing for Kai Kara-France. He tried early on to implement his grappling game plan but never could get anything of significance. De La Rosa then resorted to striking with Kara-France and had moderate moderate success. Unfortunately the fight didn’t go his way. With the UFC seemingly revamping the flyweight division, opponents are limited. The UFC could bring back a Jose Torres to fight in the cage to face off with De La Rosa. Another option would be Raulian Paiva, who is still a ranked opponent and also looking for a rebound.
Next opponent for Kai Kara-France: Deiveson Figueiredo, Sergio Pettis
Kai Kara-France highlights are some of the most fun. He moved his win streak to eight straight fights and beat a very tough Mark De La Rosa. It’s time for Kara-France to take a step up and face a top ten opponent to see if his striking is really a step up for the big leagues. Sergio Pettis fights a bantamweight these days but a return to flyweight and matchup with Kara-France would be a fantastic scrap. Deiveson Figueiredo is another option that is ranked that would be a lights out fight that could show fans just how fun flyweights could be.
Li Jingliang Puts On Career Best Performance Against Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos
Next opponent for Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos: Mike Perry, Vicente Luque
Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos is one of the most exciting strikers in the welterweight division. Li Jinfliang’s footwork was just too much for the Brazilian. While he is far from being done in his career, his time for a title shot is limited in a deep welterweight division. A dream matchup would be to see the hard hitting Dos Santos taking on fan-favorite, Mike Perry. Perry and Dos Santos would put on absolute fireworks for fans. If he’s looking for a bit more of a step up in competition as opposed to Perry, he can take on Vicente Luque who just beat Perry a few weeks ago. Either provide fans with a slug fest.
Next opponent for Li Jingliang: Stephen Thompson, Santiago Ponzinibbio
Li Jingliang looked great against a very dangerous Dos Santos. His footwork was better than it’s ever been and he was patient with his shots. It’s time to test Jingliang and put him against a top ten opponent after dispatching a 14th ranked Dos Santos. Stephen Thompson and Jingliang would put on an exciting show and would provide Jingliang a chance to prove himself against elite competition. Santiago Ponzinibbio is also looking for a fight soon. The striking of Ponzinibbio would be a great puzzle for Jingliang to solve in addition to Thompson.
Introducing Weili Zhang!
Next opponent for Weili Zhang: Tatiana Suarez, Jędrzejczyk/Waterson loser
Jessica Andrade’s title reign was the shortest in ring reign in UFC history. She went in and threw bombs immediately and ended up paying for it. Having being knocked out in 42 seconds, it’s hard to see her get a rematch. Andrade might have to take on challenger, Tatiana Suarez if Rose Namajunas comes back for a fight. Another option would be the loser of Michelle Waterson and Joanna Jędrzejczyk.
Next opponent for Weili Zhang: Rose Namajunas, Jędrzejczyk/Waterson winner
The age of Weili Zhang has begun. Being the fifth champion of the women’s strawweight division, she has a smorgasbord of contenders to deal with. After winning most of her fight with Andrade, Rose Namajunas was knocked out by a wild slam. She is most logical for the next title shot if she wants to fight anymore. Joanna Jędrzejczyk and Michelle Waterson’s fight is prime for a title eliminator as well. Zhang just needs to sit back and wait for the division to play itself out.
