This past Saturday in the main event of UFC Vegas 43, Ketlen Vieira (12-2) was taking on Miesha Tate (19-8). Of course, all eyes before the event were on the former bantamweight champion Miesha Tate who had said that she believed she could take out Amanda Nunes.
However, before she could dream of a rematch with the UFC‘s champ-champ, she needed to get by Ketlen Vieira. Vieira was out to prove that she wasn’t a stepping stone and wanted to prove to everyone that she was still a top contender.
Vieira entered the UFC with a perfect 6-0 record. She started her career with the promotion at a perfect 4-0 which included wins over former title challengers Sara McMann and Cat Zingano. However, injuries kept her inactive after her win against Zingano.
When she returned, Vieira was knocked out by Irene Aldana. Overall, Vieira entered UFC Vegas 43 at just 1-2 in three fights since returning. With that, many thought that she was going to lose to Miesha Tate.
However, Vieira was not having any of it. Throughout the first rounds, Vieira evaded Tate and caught her flush with counter after counter. The former champion was badly bloodied by the end of the fight and Ketlen Vieira picked up the decision victory.
What’s next after UFC Vegas 43?
This was a really big win for Vieira who entered the contest ranked seventh in the bantamweight division. With this win, it’s time to take a look at who the UFC should pair her with next. There are a couple of options out there.
One potential fight to watch would be taking on the winner of the Raquel Pennington – Julia Avila fight especially if Pennington wins. Pennington has won two in a row and she ranks just behind Vieira in the UFC’s rankings. Three straight wins could earn her that fight.
Another potential opponent to watch out for is Aspen Ladd. Ladd ranks ahead of Vieira but is coming off of a loss at featherweight. The former top bantamweight contender really struggled attempting to make the 135 pound limit recently and had a fight cancelled as a result.
If she returns to the UFC’s bantamweight division, Vieira could be the opponent that’s waiting for her. Either way, I’m expecting a top ten opponent for Ketlen Vieira next.