The Ultimate Fighting Championship is undoubtedly a thrilling sport that doesn’t disappoint. The sport has grown, and we’ve witnessed many interesting additions for many years. Fans can now even play UFC-inspired slots at some of the best online casino sites. Therefore, there is more to enjoy by following this sport.
Every year, we enjoy incredible fights, and 2021 was no different. The year gave us some of the best fights in UFC’s history. However, we still want to see some matchups, and we believe these are fights you’ll enjoy. As we look forward to who steps into the octagon next, these are some of the matches we are craving to see.
Justin Gaethje vs. Islam Makhachev
The battle between Makhachev and Gaethje has been epic, and we are enjoying the back-and-forth between these two. They are both contenders for the lightweight title, currently in possession of Charles Oliveira. We’ve seen them show great strength against other opponents in the division, and we think we are due for an epic showdown between them.
Makachev now has nine straight wins. Meanwhile, in one epic battle, Gaethje is coming off his fresh victory over Micheal Chandler.
Makachev and Gaethje have a solid case to submit for the title challenge. As a result, we think a title contender match between them would solve the case of who has the right to challenge Oliveira for his belt.
Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor III
Conor McGregor is not news to epic battles, and he has shown over the years that he is a solid fighter and can take on any challenge. Nate Diaz has also been a striding name in the contention for the different titles, and he will continue to be on the chart. However, we think both McGregor and Diaz have unfinished business.
In the first fight between these two, Diaz won through 2nd round submission. Meanwhile, McGregor scored the majority decision to win the second match of their meeting.
As a result, these are currently tied, and we think everyone would want to see a tie-breaker match for who is the better fighter. Everything about the matchup is exciting.
Jorge Masvidal vs. Colby Covington
Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal used to be teammates before things got heated. Now, we have these former teammates exchanging hot words. There is a growing grudge between them, and we would love to see them settle the score in a welterweight showdown inside the Octagon. We can see who’s the better fighter.
It is even a good way to get them back in the ring after losing to the Nigerian Nightmare, Kamaru Usman, in a championship match. Gamebred lost through a knockout in April 2021, while Covington went the distance but eventually lost to Usman through a unanimous decision in April 2022.
Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko III
Arguably the greatest women’s fighter in the world, Amanda Nunes was shown to be beatable after her loss to Juliana Pena in an epic showdown. It was an incredible fight that saw the end of Nunes’s ultimate domination. We will likely see a championship rematch with her and Pena in the Octagon. However, we think a trilogy with Valentina Shevchenko would be massive.
Although Nunes won the first two times they faced, Shevchenko has been on a roll, winning eight straight fights. Therefore, we think she has a chance against the Lioness since we now know she’s beatable, and Shevchenko has been rejuvenated. Therefore, we look forward to this epic trilogy happening.
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kamaru Usman
One of the terrifying names in the UFC welterweight division is Kamaru Usman, and he has been sweeping every challenger that comes his way. He shows no fear, and he’s dubbed the Nigerian Nightmare. The 34-year-old champion now holds victories over four out of the 6 ranked fighters in the division.
As a result, Usman is looking unstoppable. However, the rise of Khamzat Chimaev has put a peg in that thought as the Swedish 27-year-old is also sweeping the division with a 10-fight winning streak. He is yet to lose a professional fight, and to top it all off; he has only absorbed one strike in all his professional fights. Therefore, he is the ultimate contender we would love to see in a face-off with Usman.
Final Thoughts
This year is packed with exciting fights, but we think these would be epic if they happen. We look forward to the different pairings coming, and undoubtedly, we are excited about what the future of the Ultimate Fighting Championship holds for us.
