Following a thrilling slate of finishes at UFC 332, the Ultimate Fighting Championship kept the momentum rolling at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas with UFC Vegas 122. The event delivered another explosive night of mixed martial arts action, highlighted by nine total finishes. Fans in attendance and watching around the globe were treated to a remarkable stretch of violence, featuring eight consecutive bouts that skipped the judges’ scorecards entirely and settled matters inside the distance.
In the main event, middleweight contender Brendan Allen showcased his trademark composure and veteran savvy, navigating a challenging, back-and-forth battle against Christian Leroy Duncan before locking in a deciding submission in the final frame. With the dust settled on UFC Vegas 122, the MMA landscape shifts its focus toward the future. Examining how these athletes performed offers a clear window into potential next steps, compelling matchups, and divisional implications for the winners moving forward.
Brendan Allen
Brendan Allen’s main event victory over Christian Leroy Duncan was a testament to his durability and championship aspirations. After grinding through four grueling rounds against the dangerous and unorthodox Englishman, Allen’s wealth of experience paid off in the fifth and final frame. He capitalized on a late opening, smoothly transitioning to the back and locking in a tight rear-naked choke that caught Duncan completely off guard and forced the tap.
In his post-fight interview, Allen wasted no time making his ambitions known, firmly calling out top division threat Dricus Du Plessis. Yet, "All In" finds himself in a rather peculiar position within the 185-pound weight class. His current body of work—highlighted by an impressive 11 wins in his last 13 Octagon appearances and a recent finish over Reinier de Ridder—is more than robust enough to warrant a number-one contender opportunity.
However, lacking the mainstream marquee star power of a few select peers often leaves him on the outside looking in when the championship picture is being painted. With the timeline for the potential rematch between Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov still up in the air, and elite grappler Khamzat Chimaev looming large in the division, matching Allen directly against the elite may have to wait. The most logical and sensible path forward appears to be pairing Allen against the winner of the upcoming high-stakes matchup between Caio Borralho and Yousri Belgaroui, a test that would solidify who truly deserves the next crack at the division’s elite.
Allen’s next fight: Borralho/Belgaroui winner
Jai Herbert
Veteran lightweight Jai Herbert turned in a gritty, professional performance against the significantly younger Matheus Camilo, gutting out a hard-fought victory to secure his second win of the calendar year. Affectionately known as "The Black Country Banger," Herbert has established himself over several years as a reliable, tough-out gatekeeper within the talent-rich UFC lightweight division.
His latest triumph successfully halted the momentum of a promising rising star and sent Camilo back to the drawing board to reassess his approach. Looking ahead, it makes complete sense for the promotion to test Herbert against another hungry prospect in his mid-20s. Francisco Prado, who also picked up an impressive victory earlier on the same fight card, presents an ideal stylistic and developmental opponent for Herbert to welcome into the next tier of lightweight competition.
Herbert’s next fight: Francisco Prado
Loopy Godinez
Despite the bout ending in a controversial decision that sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, Loopy Godinez successfully returned to the win column at UFC Vegas 122. Earlier this year, Godinez suffered the first finish loss of her professional career at the hands of the formidable Tatiana Suarez. Rather than letting that setback derail her, she leaned into her trademark toughness and resilience against Ketlen Souza, grinding out a gritty decision victory.
The women’s strawweight division is currently bubbling with fresh talent and intense title aspirations, with surging contenders like Fatima Kline, Denise Gomes, and Alexia Thainara all making strong statements near the top. Given the competitive landscape, Godinez likely needs a couple of more dominant wins before she can work her way back into the thick of the championship conversation. While the matchmakers have no shortage of viable options for the Mexican-born grappler, booking her against Alice Ardelean—who enters the potential matchup riding a solid three-fight win streak—would provide a fantastic measuring stick for both athletes.
Godinez’s next fight: Alice Ardelean
Andre Fili
As the longest-tenured featherweight currently competing under the UFC banner, Andre Fili proved that veteran instinct still holds immense value by delivering one of the most spectacular highlights of his lengthy career. Fighting from punching range, Fili brilliantly disguised a head kick that caught Kai Kamaka III clean, instantly flattening his opponent and bringing the arena to its feet.
At 36 years old, "Touchy" Fili demonstrated that he still possesses plenty of veteran craftiness and explosive power capable of stunning younger, hyper-athletic opponents who might overlook his experience. At this stage of his career, Fili is a seasoned veteran who can be plugged into almost any matchup in the featherweight division and immediately deliver an entertaining fight. To maximize both excitement and divisional logic, pairing him against fellow fan-favorite and dynamic striker Gaston Bolaños stands out as a natural booking for their next walks to the Octagon.
Godinez’s next fight: Alice Ardelean (Note: Fili’s next fight points to Gaston Bolaños).
Fili’s next fight: Gaston Bolaños
Otari Tanzilovi
Otari Tanzilovi’s journey to the UFC has been marked by perseverance. After dropping a tightly contested split decision on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS), the Georgian prospect did not let the setback deter him, returning to the regional circuit to earn his way onto the sport’s biggest stage. Though his promotional debut in June ended in defeat, Tanzilovi bounced back in spectacular fashion at UFC Vegas 122, executing a stunning head kick knockout over Malcolm Wellmaker that instantly put the bantamweight division on notice and proved he possesses the talent to make a legitimate impact.
This emphatic finish suggests that Tanzilovi has a very bright future ahead if he continues to refine his skills. To accurately gauge his ceiling and see how he handles deeper waters inside the bantamweight division, a step up in competition against a seasoned, durable veteran like John Castañeda would offer the perfect test for the rising Georgian.
Tanzilovi’s next fight: John Castañeda
