BFL 67 wrapped up this past weekend in Vancouver, B.C., marking the promotion's second event since the pandemic began and their second to air live on UFC Fight Pass.
Note that most of the matchups we're suggesting here are purely speculative and haven't been confirmed or even whispered about, unless specifically mentioned.
We'd love to hear your picks for who deserves a shot next for the standout performers and everyone else on the card, plus your predictions on our proposed bouts.
Caio Machado (5-1-1) vs. Dana White's Contender Series bout
Machado has thoroughly cleared out the local Canadian heavyweight division after dispatching Unified heavyweight champion Christian Larsen inside the opening round. Giving him a shot at securing that elusive UFC contract feels like the obvious next move. With another season of Dana White's Contender Series looming and the UFC perpetually hunting for heavyweight prospects, Machado landing at the Apex in Las Vegas is entirely plausible.
Dejan Kajic (13-7-2) vs. Scott Hudson (12-5-1)
After an uneven start to his career, Kajic has been on fire over the past three years, racking up five consecutive finishes and capturing titles across three different weight classes. He's worked his way up the welterweight rankings and positioned himself to challenge some of the division's elite. One name that jumps out is Scott Hudson, who is riding his own five-fight winning streak and would present a stern challenge for the BFL regular.
Dario Sinagoga (5-0) vs. Zackery Powell (4-1)
This matchup demands resolution — there's unfinished business between them. Their scheduled bout on Friday night was originally set as a lightweight title eliminator, but Sinagoga came in over weight and became ineligible for the title shot before being handed a contentious decision, leaving their feud in limbo. Both fighters seem eager for a rematch, so scheduling another bout makes logical sense.
Ivan Hryshchuk (2-0) vs. Kennan Kellar (2-1)
Hryshchuk is starting to generate buzz early in his pro career. Even though he's only 2-0 on paper, it's time for him to face tougher opposition. Kellar, meanwhile, carries a respectable 2-1 pro record backed by a solid 5-1 amateur resume and remains undefeated at middleweight. A win over Kellar would help Hryshchuk establish himself as a genuine contender in the middleweight ranks.
Justin Doege (3-2) vs. Jared Kilkenny (13-12)
Doege secured his first victory in over two years with a commanding decision on Friday night. The Canadian heavyweight landscape is ripe with opportunity right now — most of the top names are already signed or preparing for breakthrough runs in major promotions. If Doege keeps fighting regularly, there's plenty of room to grow. Kilkenny had to pull out of a scheduled fight at BFL 66, so rescheduling this matchup is overdue.
Gio Platon (2-0) vs. Michael Hay (5-3)
Platon earned his second quick finish of 2021 with another dominant performance and is rapidly ascending the bantamweight rankings. Facing a seasoned veteran would be the ideal way to assess where he currently stands in the division. Hay brings notable big-fight experience and would represent a serious hurdle for Platon.
Nicolas Ouellet (1-0) vs. Austin Batra (0-1)
Ouellet showcased his elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills once more during his professional debut, submitting Kevin Popowick-Bastien with a triangle kimura. Batra has been sidelined since November 2019 after two fights fell apart during that stretch. He'd serve as a necessary proving ground for Ouellet, who will need to do the heavy lifting to drag Batra to the mat and unleash his grappling game.
Taylor Christopher (2-0) vs. Ali Wasuk (4-1)
Christopher dispatched his first two professional opponents with rear-naked chokes, demonstrating promising upside in the featherweight division. He compiled an impressive 7-1 amateur record before falling in his debut to Wasuk. Running that matchup back makes sense to see whether the improvements Christopher has made since then can carry him to victory against his former opponent.
Jonathan Broad (1-0) vs. Daniel Richard (0-1)
BFL could have something special in young Broad, who ended the far more experienced Schellenberg in his professional debut. Richard hasn't competed since June 2019, so he's probably itching to step back into the cage, and facing Broad would be a solid way to facilitate his return.
Mike McAloon (4-2) vs. Josh Kwiatkowski (5-3)
McAloon bounced back from a loss to Michael Imperato with a gritty late finish against tough veteran John Nguyen. He needs to climb back up in competition level, while Kwiatkowski — who recently fell to Lucas Neufeld via unanimous decision — needs a rebound to avoid losing ground at featherweight.
Bryce Gougeon (1-2-1) vs. Stuart Deleurme (1-3-1)
Gougeon and Deleurme clashed to a majority draw at BFL 66 in their long-awaited rematch — a decade in the making. Neither fighter is likely satisfied with that result, so a trilogy bout to settle the debate seems like a very real possibility following what was an intensely competitive affair.
Jackie Maclean (1-0) vs. Megan Owen (1-0)
Maclean avenged her sole amateur defeat to Maria Demers with a first-round rear-naked choke in their professional rematch. Finding opponents in the pro ranks could prove difficult for Maclean, but BFL demonstrated at BFL 67 a willingness to pull fighters in from Eastern Canada, making a matchup with Owen a worthwhile test for both women early in their careers.
