According to information from the reputable resource Tapology, Orolbai uulu is currently ranked 17th, making him a potential candidate for a fight with higher-ranked opponents.
Rematch with Urosh Medic
Serbian fighter Urosh Medic was Myktybek's opponent in his debut fight in the UFC, which took place in November 2023. In this bout, Orolbai uulu achieved a second-round victory via submission. Since then, Medic has fought five times, winning four of them by knockout in the first round and suffering one defeat.
In his last fight, Medic defeated American Jeff Neil by knockout. He is currently ranked 12th in the welterweight division. A rematch with him could be an excellent opportunity for Orolbai uulu to solidify his place in the top-15.
Jeff Neil
Jeff Neil, an American fighter, has been competing in the UFC since 2018 and was long in the top-15 of his division. However, after being knocked out by Medic, he fell out of the rankings.
Neil is remembered for his fight against Kazakh Shavkat Rakhmonov, where he posed serious problems for his opponent. A fight with him could help the Kyrgyz fighter break into the top-15.
Michael Chiesa
Michael Chiesa is an experienced UFC fighter who has been active since 2012 and has faced legends such as Anthony Pettis, Rafael dos Anjos, and Tony Ferguson.
His strength lies in his high level of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which has led to most of his victories coming via submissions and chokes. Despite being 38 years old, he is currently on a three-fight winning streak.
Chiesa's next fight is scheduled for March 28. If he wins, the UFC may arrange his bout with Orolbai uulu in the summer at a tournament in Abu Dhabi or Baku.
Kevin Holland
Kevin Holland, who has been competing in the UFC since 2018, is known for his exciting performances in the ring. He has faced opponents such as Joaquin Buckley, Ronaldo Souza, and Khamzat Chimaev.
Holland's best results came in 2020 when he achieved four consecutive victories. However, he then began alternating successes with losses and fell out of the top-15. He has also competed in two weight classes — welterweight and middleweight.
Holland is considered a versatile fighter, but he often struggles against strong strikers in stand-up exchanges, and wrestlers can easily gain the upper hand on the ground. In 2022, he lost to Khamzat Chimaev, who controlled him easily in grappling. Kevin could be a favorable matchup for Myktybek.
Yoel Alvarez
Yoel Alvarez, a Spanish UFC fighter, has been active since 2019. He has a record of 10 fights, with 8 wins, including 7 finishes. He has suffered defeats to Arman Tsarukyan and Damir Ismagulov.
Alvarez, who previously fought in the lightweight division (70 kg), is now competing in the welterweight division. In his last bout, he won against Vicente Luque by unanimous decision.
A fight with Alvarez could be an important step for both fighters, as neither is currently in the top-15. A victory would bring them closer to the elite of the division. Alvarez is a versatile fighter, but Orolbai uulu's grappling could play a decisive role.
Possible but unlikely opponents
Theoretically, potential opponents for Myktybek could include former champion Leon Edwards, Michael "Venom" Page, and Colby Covington, a former title challenger. However, their high status and media presence will likely lead them to fight among themselves.
When might the next fight take place?
Orolbai uulu's next bout could take place this summer at the UFC Fight Night tournament in Abu Dhabi, which traditionally occurs in June or July. There is also the possibility of him participating in a numbered UFC event in October in the UAE capital, where championship fights usually take place.
Another potential location could be the UFC tournament in Baku, scheduled for late June.
With favorable developments, the Kyrgyz fighter could have two fights within the year — if he wins in the summer and avoids injuries.
