Recap: Vegas 110 shook up the odds and left fighters with fresh rivalries
The UFC returned to the APEX for UFC Vegas 110, a card that delivered its share of strange moments, hard finishes, and meaningful results. While the night was defined by an unusual stoppage experience involving Ante Delija, the bigger story remains the upcoming potential matchups that could be built off the night’s outcomes. With several divisions unsettled and a few rising contenders making their case, the next wave of fights should begin to take shape in short order as UFC officials look to capitalize on momentum from an erratic but entertaining show.
Heavyweight shuffles: moving past the Delija incident
The chaos surrounding Ante Delija’s stoppage-and-restart moment is a reminder that heavyweight matchups have a way of fracturing into new directions quickly. Delija’s ability to rebound in future bouts will be a talking point, but it also opens doors for opponents eager to notch a marquee win against a recognizable name. Potential next steps could include a veteran-based pairing to steady the division, or a rising heavyweight with a similar frame testing his mettle against someone who survived a controversial sequence.
Possible next opponents for Delija could include:
– A returning veteran seeking to prove he still belongs at the top tier of heavyweights.
– A rising contender looking for a signature win to cement his place in the rankings.
– An opponent known for high action who can test Delija’s resilience after the chaotic moment at UFC Vegas 110.
Contender implications: who looked ready to move up
Several performers on the card showcased tools that suggest they’re ready to challenge for a bigger spot in their division. For lightweights and middleweights, UFC Vegas 110 offered a snapshot of who could ride a momentum wave into meaningful next-fights. The promotion often pairs winners with a ranking-positioned foe to accelerate a climb, and that approach could apply to a few fighters from this card who answered questions about durability, balance, and pace under pressure.
Lightweight possibilities
In the crowded 155-pound division, a few winners could be matched with top-15 contenders looking to test their mettle against fresh opponents. A dynamic striker with grappling upside might be a smart match for a name capable of dragging a fight into contested territory, rewarding fans who enjoy tactical exchanges and high pace.
Middleweight route to relevance
On the middleweight side, a performance that mixed aggression with technique could spark a pairing against someone outside the current top five, aiming to disrupt the usual title-contender path. Booking a fight with a stylistically complementary foe would maximize viewer interest and give the winner a clear roadmap toward a next shot at a ranked opponent.
Under-the-radar contenders to watch
UFC Vegas 110 highlighted several fighters who may not have dominated headlines but demonstrated clear upside. These athletes often become the best value bets in the UFC’s matchmaking ecosystem because they’re ready for bigger tests but not yet entrenched in the top tier. Expect several of these performers to be matched with mid-tier opponents who can still light a spark and push them toward potential title eliminator status.
How the UFC could map the next events
Matchmaking teams typically map out a two-part strategy after a chaotic or surprising card: address the most impactful results with potential immediate rematches or rebookings, and pair persistent, rising performers with opponents that can expose or develop their styles. UFC Vegas 110 offers several threads for ongoing storylines—from heavyweight roadmaps to the evolution of younger prospects in the lighter-weight classes—allowing promotion officials to craft a rhythm of fights that maintains momentum across events.
What fans should watch for next
As we wait for official announcements, fans should keep an eye on a few signals: the willingness of top contenders to engage in fresh matchups, the UFC’s tendency to reward aggression with elevated opportunities, and the balance between entertaining fights and meaningful rankings moves. The fallout from UFC Vegas 110 could lead to a handful of electrifying clashes that please audiences craving both drama and clarity in the division pecking order.
In the end, the UFC’s best path forward after Vegas 110 is to capitalize on storylines that feel both logical and compelling. The next round of matchups should continue to blend the unpredictable energy of the night with the strategic planning that has driven UFC matchmaking for years.
