UFC Columbus is in the books. Before we launch into speculation about UFC 273 fight week, let’s reflect on last week’s card. The card featured monumental wins for a number of contenders, and significant trajectory changes for even more fighters.

Through the twelve fights on the UFC Columbus card, the Cage Calculus forecast favorites went 6-6, bringing the forecast’s overall record since its inception to 175-105-2. All forecast projections are based on a fighter’s CC rating. You can find out how those ratings are generated HERE. You can view the projections for last week’s fights HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE. The CC Editor’s Picks were 6-6 and the odds-on favorites according to Vegas were 6-6.

2022 Overall Standings

• Cage Calculus Forecast: 72-50
• Cage Calculus Editor Picks: 77-45
• Las Vegas Oddsmakers: 82-40

Without further ado, here’s what we learned from UFC London:

Curtis Blaydes Does Have a Legitimate Case for an Interim Title Shot

Blaydes (#2 CC, #4 UFC) silenced the doubters who call him a boring fighter. Less than one minute into round number two, he delivered a show-stopping knockout. Now, he sits near the top of the heavyweight ranks with no clear next opponent. He called in the octagon for an interim title bout this summer against Ciryl Gane (#3 CC, #1 UFC). He also gave respect and acknowledged a possible bout between himself and former heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic (#1 CC, #2 UFC). Those two could end up facing each other as well, leaving Blaydes out in the cold. However, with a big finish, Blaydes put himself in the conversation. If a title shot doesn’t pan out, a bout with the like of Tai Tuivasa (#5 CC, #3 UFC) would not be unwelcome either.

Chris Daukaus Needs to Take a Step Back

After winning his first four UFC fights, Daukaus (NR CC, #9 UFC) was vaulted up the heavyweight rankings. However, it seems clear now that that was premature. He’s now been slept badly in each of his last two fights. The UFC can’t justify pitting him against another top 5 opponent. Top 10 might even be pushing it at this point. Daukaus ought to circle back towards other competition until he gets some wins back under his belt.

Alexa Grasso Is a Real Threat at Flyweight

Grasso (#8 CC, #5 UFC) is known as being a precision striker. She added grappling to her repertoire by delivering a first round submission over Joanne Wood (NR CC, #10 UFC). Grasso is often dismissed because she is relatively small for this division, but she is still undefeated since making the move up. Now she has a top five ranking and decent position to claim the next title shot, should Valentina Shevchenko hold on to her title in a couple of months. A bout with Andrea Lee (#5 CC, #9 UFC) would be what we’d put together if it were up to Cage Calculus. Whatever it is, Grasso is not to be underestimated anymore.

Kai Kara-France Has Been Underrated

Kara-France (#5 CC, #2 UFC) was not given much of a chance in this one. Yet, he came out and held his own, pulling off a unanimous decision upset victory over Askar Askarov (#4 CC, #3 UFC). Kara-France even earned the respect of the current flyweight champion, Deiveson Figueiredo, who is now calling for that fight to be made. He seems to be in prime position to secure that next flyweight title shot. After taking down one of the biggest threats in the division, he can’t be underestimated again.

Age Is [Still] Just a Number

Former Olympian and current flyweight contender Sara McMann (#15 CC, #8 UFC) notched another UFC win at 41 years of age. She imposed her will on up-and-coming contender Karol Rosa (#10 CC, #13 UFC). After coming back after a two-year layoff, McMann is 2-1 with her lone defeat being to the current champion, Julianna Pena. Perhaps it’s worth keeping an eye on McMann, who now sits at number eight in the UFC’s official bantamweight rankings, instead of writing her into retirement so soon.

Manon Fiorot is For Real

Many wondered how Fiorot (#9 CC, #7 UFC) would fare against a ranked opponent. She got vaulted upward quickly, facing off against Jennifer Maia (#14 CC, #6 UFC), who was in the UFC’s top 5 prior to this tilt. Fiorot dominated most of the fight and mitigated Maia’s takedowns. She is a long striker with big power in her hands for this weight class. She called out Katlyn Chookagian (#3 CC, #2 UFC), who already has a bout lined up. Whether Fiorot is willing to wait or move on to another opponent, she will once again line up against one of the flyweight division’s best.

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