UFC 305's main card had everything a fan could ask for. Three finishes, a Fight of the Night, and an excellent championship matchup made the promotion's first return to Perth in well over a year one of the best pay-per-view events of 2024. With fantastic performances delivered by almost every single winner on the card, the next steps will be crucial for both the fighters and the good of the UFC.
(C) Dricus Du Plessis: (1) Sean Strickland, UFC 310
Du Plessis is two-for-two on entertaining, competitive title fights. The champion doesn't pass the eye test, but his combination of power, cardio, and a granite chin makes him nearly impossible to deal with. Strickland has been his toughest UFC test so far, taking him the distance in a fight that many scored for the loser. The contested scorecards make this an appealing rematch, especially with the obvious bad blood between the two. The buildup to this fight will reach McGregor-levels of vitriol, so booking it as a headliner to a card that McGregor himself was thought to headline works out well for everyone.
(4) Kai Kara-France: (C) Alexandre Pantoja, UFC 310
Without a clear contender, the flyweight title picture is wide open. Kai Kara-France just made an excellent case for why he should be at the top of the list. A first-round knockout of Steve Erceg, who gave Alexandre Pantoja all he could handle over five rounds, combined with the fact that everyone else in the top five is either booked, injured, or on hiatus, means that KKF will likely get his first shot at undisputed gold. Newly signed Kai Asakura is an option, but a fighter debuting in a title fight should be a last resort, one that is no longer necessary after Kara-France put on a fantastic comeback performance. A co-main event on the same card as Du Plessis fits the timing bill for everyone while strengthening a card the UFC typically likes to load up.
(11) Dan Hooker: Michael Chandler II, second PPV of 2025
Somehow, some way, Dan Hooker is back in the top ten of the lightweight rankings. The last time Hooker had this big of a number next to his name, Khabib Nurmagomedov was the lightweight king, an indication of the Kiwi's incredible longevity in a game that's known for ending careers quickly. Putting a stop to the Mateusz Gamrot Wrestle Express is something that only one other fighter has managed in the UFC, but Hooker remains just outside of the title conversation until another victory comes his way. Michael Chandler knocked the Hangman out in one round in his UFC debut, and it seems that he's finally coming around to the idea that Conor McGregor might never step into the octagon again. Hooker is the best consolation prize he could ask for; a highly ranked, exciting fighter who's willing to play Chandler's game of rock-'em sock-'em robots for as long as the fight lasts. Book this a second time as a co-main event on whatever pay-per-view needs a little extra pop.
(12) Jairzinho Rozenstruik: (7) Serghei Spivac, UFC 309
An unspectacular win is a win nonetheless. Jairzinho Rozenstruik was clearly the better fighter against Tai Tuivasa but was unable to find a finish that was certainly there for the taking. Regardless, Rozenstruik will get another opportunity to put himself in the top ten after securing his third win in four fights. Serghei Spivac fought a week before Rozenstruik did, securing a submission win without absorbing any real damage. Both men should be interested in another fight this year, and with similar schedules, rankings, and ambitions, they should be happy to take a spot either on the main card or as the featured prelim in Madison Square Garden.
Carlos Prates vs. (13) Vicente Luque, UFC 309
If there was any doubt before UFC 305, there is none left now. Carlos Prates is an absolute killer, one of the most technically sound striking prospects to enter the UFC in recent memory. In less than a year of being on the company roster, Prates has three knockout victories and three performance bonuses. It's time for a big name, ideally one who can bring some veteran grit and test Prates in a way that no one else has. Vicente Luque isn't what he used to be, but he's still got excellent power, above-average striking, and a tendency to get into brawls with whoever he faces. It's a winnable matchup for one of the brightest prospects in the UFC and a chance for Luque to stop his career downturn against an increasingly big name. If Prates is ready for a fourth fight in over a year, send him to the same card as Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic to really get the hype train going.
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