Two weekends back, Battlefield Fight League staged another consecutive double-header and remained available on UFC Fight Pass. The headline contest at BFL 69 featured Caio Machado successfully retaining his heavyweight championship against Lee Mein, who entered the fight on short notice to salvage the matchup. The card also produced several noteworthy rising talents worth watching.
Please note that most of the fight suggestions below are speculative scenarios and haven't been officially confirmed or linked to any real negotiations, unless specifically mentioned.
We'd love to hear your opinions on who deserves the next shot for the card's top victors and who you'd pick to prevail in our imagined matchups.
Caio Machado (6-1-1) vs. Christian Larsen (6-2)
Following his triumph, Machado publicly challenged Tanner Boser. Should he aim for a UFC contract, he might have to compete on Dana White's Contender Series first. Failing that route, he could still face Unified MMA heavyweight champion for a rematch from their summer meeting. Larsen accepted the short-notice opportunity and has extended an invitation to Machado to challenge for his belt following his most recent title defense.
Nicolas Ouellet (2-0) vs. Gwyn Berry (1-0)
Ouellet has compiled a flawless four wins across two professional and two amateur bouts, each ending via first-round submission against quality opposition. Berry carries an impressive amateur mark of 7-2 and secured his own professional debut victory at BFL 69. This pairing makes for straightforward matchmaking.
Leo Xavier (5-1-1) vs. Dejan Kajic (13-7-2)
Xavier returned to competition after sitting out for four years and displayed zero ring rust as he secured a unanimous decision victory. That result vaulted Xavier straight into the number one contender position on the BFL standings. Given this trajectory, we may finally witness a bout originally scheduled back in 2014.
Austin Russell (2-0) vs. Craig Maclean (5-4)
Russell delivered the night's biggest surprise by finishing the previously undefeated Indroop Virk with a first-round guillotine choke. He'd be eager to sustain that momentum, and facing seasoned veteran Maclean would provide an ideal proving ground for the developing prospect.
Jonathan Broad (2-0) vs. Bobby Poulter (3-0)
Broad represents another emerging talent who has strung together four consecutive finishes across recent BFL appearances. A clash with fellow undefeated prospect Poulter could propel Broad past several ranked opponents on the card.
