Unified MMA returned for their second event in just over a month this past weekend and was headlined by a pair of title fights. In case you missed it, the replay of Unified MMA 41 is available now on UFC Fight Pass.
Keep in mind, in most cases, the matchups listed here are hypothetical and have not been announced or rumoured to be taking place, unless otherwise noted.
Let us know your thoughts on who should be next for the big winners and the rest of the card, and who you think would win our hypothetical matchups.
Shane Campbell (20-8) vs. Adam Assenza (14-6)
Campbell rolled with the punches on Friday night and accepted a fight with a dangerous and durable Matt Krayco on mere hours notice when his original opponent, Michael Hill, mysteriously withdrew from the fight. Campbell dominated Krayco over five rounds and is now 8-2 since his UFC release back in 2016. It’s clear that Campbell’s goal is to get back to the UFC and he could be close, but if not, the biggest fight left for him on the Canadian circuit would be Adam Assenza. Some sites have Assenza ranked as the top lightweight in the country, but if he wants to really cement that spot, a win over Campbell would do it and likely put him on the UFC radar if he isn’t already there.
Christian Larsen (6-2) vs. Caio Machado (5-1-1)
Larsen made quick work of Grayson Wells with the impressive submission victory to defend his heavyweight title this weekend. Larsen rebounded from a disappointing showing against Caio Machado back in June, a bout he took on just three weeks notice. Post-fight, Larsen called for the rematch. After a failed bid to take Machado’s BFL title, Larsen invited Machado to “come try to take my belt.”
Behrang Yousefi (9-7) vs. Derek Boyle (14-13)
Yousefi returned to action this weekend and spoiled what became Tim “Shady” Smith’s retirement fight with an impressive display of jiu-jitsu. An interesting next fight could be against fellow veteran Derek Boyle who recently snapped a losing streak against a very tough Mike Scarcello and is likely eager to start a winning streak.
Chris Chapman (4-2) vs. Ivan Hryshchuk (2-0)
Chapman weathered a storm of takedowns from prospect Ali Charkie and was able to take him into deep waters and get the third round finish. Chapman has been largely inactive for years but seems to be ready to fight consistently now with two fights in just over a month. Middleweight is shallow, so if Chapman can string a few more wins together he could find himself in title contention in short order. Ivan Hryshchuk is looking to make a similar splash and has started his pro career with a pair of finishes. Whoever picks up the win would be on a fast track towards the top ten.
Jett Grande (1-0-1) vs. Cole Campbell (3-3)
After a lengthy and successful amateur career and multiple canceled or rescheduled pro debuts, not to mention a draw in his debut, Grande finally picked up his first pro win. Grande is ready to jump right into the deep water in the pro rankings. I’ve already heard rumblings of a potential matchup between Grande and Cole Campbell and this would be a perfect bout to see where Grande stands in the always crowded lightweight division.
Phil Engeroff (2-0) vs. Andrew Mavridis (1-1)
Engeroff returned for the first time in almost five years this weekend and extended his record to a perfect 2-0. The kickboxing specialist has finished both of his opponents by triangle choke. Engeroff shows a lot of promise and is likely ready for a step up in competition. Andrew Mavridis has split his first two pro fights after a 7-0 amateur run and would be a good test for Engeroff.
