As usual, the rumors about the UFC concern super fights, title changes, and fights that will redefine the sport of mixed martial arts. The heavyweight division has been stirring the pot, and the lightweight has other happenings. Here’s what is going on.
Jon Jones Accused of Ducking Tom Aspinall
While undoubtedly anti-climax is occurring and as the heavyweight division grows increasingly controversial, tension is beginning to throw the heavyweight division into somewhat of a tailspin. Jon Jones, the current UFC heavyweight champion, is being labeled as avoiding the most interesting heavyweight (at least in the RECENT context) in Tom Aspinall, the interim champion. Aspinall won the interim title by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 and has stated he deserves a title unification bout with Jones. Jones, however, did recently mention he is very much more towards setting up a fight with Stipe Miocic a bout that was already scheduled until Jones withdrew before UFC 295 due to injury.
Both fans and pundits are asking if Jones is avoiding a fight with the younger and more dangerous Aspinall. Jones has rejected the accusations, saying that the fight with Miocic has to do with legacy as Miocic is considered by many to be the greatest heavyweight in UFC history. Regardless, the time it has taken to book Jones vs. Aspinall has stalled the division as Aspinall is now threatening to vacate his interim title if the fight continues to not happen.
Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev: A Superfight in the Making?
The lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and featherweight phenom Ilia Topuria have been linked to a potential super fight. To compete for the double-champ title, Topuria, who just fought Alexander Volkanovski to earn the featherweight belt, has expressed his desire to go up to lightweight.
Following his convincing win over Volkanovski at UFC 294, Makhachev has been considering a move to welterweight to contend for a second title. A bout with Topuria, however, might be a more profitable option because it would match up two of the sport’s most accomplished fighters. Fans are excited about the possibility of a clash of generations and styles, even though nothing is confirmed.
Lightweight Division: Chaos and Opportunity
The lightweight division continues to be one of the most loaded and unpredictable divisions in the UFC. With Makhachev appearing to pursue super fights, challengers Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Arman Tsarukyan have the opportunity to advocate for a title shot.
There are reports that Oliveira, the former champ, maybe the next opponent for Makhachev, but Gaethje also put himself in title considerations with his knockout victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. Further solidifying the future of the lightweight division was the appearance of Tsarukyan, who scored a thrilling win against Beneil Dariush. The title picture at lightweight isn’t clear-cut, but what is clear is the next several months will shape the future of the 155lb division.
Middleweight Madness: Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland
The middleweight division is also still in flux, with champ Dricus Du Plessis already facing calls for his first defense of the title. Du Plessis rocked the world by defeating Robert Whittaker and then Sean Strickland to claim the belt, but his reign is already not secure.
According to rumors, the former champion Israel Adesanya is keen to take back his crown and might be Du Plessis’s successor. Strickland, meanwhile, is arguing for an instant rematch, pointing to the fight’s fierce nature. Additionally, rising star Khamzat Chimaev looms as a potential challenger, though his health and weight class remain uncertain. Several plotlines are coming together in the middleweight category as it prepares for an exciting 2024.
Light Heavyweight: Alex Pereira’s Dominance and Future Opponents
Alex Pereira‘s transition to light heavyweight is nothing short of amazing. Pereira became champion after landing a knockout punch against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295. In no time, Pereira emerged as one of the scariest fighters of the weight class.
Speculation is rampant, with Magomed Ankalaev and Jamahal Hill both having been talked about as possible future opponents. Ankalaev is a strong grappler who may test Pereira’s striking-heavy style, while Hill, the former champion, is looking to regain the title he lost outside of the octagon. Pereira’s championship tenure in light heavyweight is just getting started, and the division is already poised for renewed competition.
Conclusion: A Year of Uncertainty and Excitement
The UFC is starting to reach an inflection point in which notable legends, such as Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, seem to be reaching the end of their careers, while a new generation of stars, like Tom Aspinall, Ilia Topuria, and Alex Pereira, continue to establish themselves in the sport. The speculation around these fighters and divisions encapsulates the unpredictability and entertainment value of the UFC.
Regardless of whether you’re looking at Jones vs Aspinall, Topuria vs Makhachev, or Pereira’s next title fight, there are a ton of exciting fights and moments awaiting in 2024. As always with the UFC, we know one thing: Nothing is certain. And that’s what makes it such a thrill.
Stay tuned, because the next big announcement could change everything.
