What mattered most at UFC 314 from Kaseya Center in Miami? Here are a few post-fight musings …
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Virna Jandiroba solidifies her title shot
Virna Jandiroba made herself undeniable as the next strawweight title contender when she outworked Yan Xiaonan to a unanimous decision that extended her winning streak to five.
An argument could be made that Jandiroba (22-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) was already deserving of the shot in February against Zhang Weili, but Tatiana Suarez got it instead. That meant she had to reaffirm her position against another top contender in Xiaonan, and she did just that.
Jandiroba has done things the right way, and the hard way. Is a title bout against Weili going to move the needle to a significant degree? No. But she is the most deserving, and pretty much the only intriguing contender remaining. A finish would've generated a little more excitement, but regardless, she's owed a chance.
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Virna Jandiroba def. Yan Xiaonan at UFC 314: Best photos
Jean Silva delivers on his promises
Jean Silva said he was going to teach Bryce Mitchell a lesson in pain, and he did so by beating the controversial featherweight at his own game.
Silva (16-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC) battered Mitchell around the octagon for nearly eight minutes before he snatched a ninja choke to seal the deal, and many observers were pleased to see it.
Mitchell deserved all the backlash he got after his controversial remarks earlier this year, and he got the ultimate form of karma inside the octagon. On the flip side, Silva is a very legitimate featherweight talent. He showed all facets of his game in the performance, and now it's highly intriguing to see him face the next echelon of talent at 145 pounds, many of whom it might seem he could beat in definitive fashion, as well.
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Jean Silva def. Bryce Mitchell at UFC 314: Best photos