.png)
The UFC has been in one of the most interesting periods. We have had several new champions, small names becoming big names, and big names falling. Just this past weekend, we had UFC 305. Within this event, we had Dricus Du Plessis retain his title against Israel Adesanya, Kai Kara France knocking out Steve Erceg in round 1, and Dan Hooker making his possible title run after his almost 2-year hiatus. But before this, we have had many names made, Let go of division and see who I am most excited about going into the back half of 2024.
Women's Strawweight - Amanda Lemos
Even though she is coming off of her loss against Virna Jandiroba, Lemos has always had a spot saved for her at the top of the division. She currently doesn't have a fight scheduled but there are a few names that can come to mind when you think of possible opponents. Marina Rodriguez, also coming from a loss to Jandiroba, is a big name that comes to mind. With her Muay Thai-based fighting style, it would be an interesting fight with the conflicting styles. The outcome of this fight could be considered an eliminator fight. But I am excited for her next fight.
Women's Flyweight - Rose Namajunas
Thug Rose. Those two words have haunted the Women's flyweight division for about as long as it gets. She has had an amazing run before, cultivating into a championship belt wrapped around her waist. Even after her loss to Manon Fiorot, she still can go on her tear to lead her to another title shot later this year or at the beginning of next year.
Women's Bantamweight - Kayla Harrison
One of the most accomplished female fighters of all time. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, a PFL Champ, and now a UFC title contender. Her first fight was at the legendary UFC 300 card, winning over Holly Holm. This left were with an excellent number 3 rank. She currently has a bout scheduled opposite Ketlen Viera, who has also had an amazing career. A win would most likely put the champ opposite of her next.
Flyweight - Tatsuro Taira
A fighter that I would consider "flying under the radar right now is Tatsuro Taira. He has had one fight this year against Alex Perez. This Japanese fighter boasts an undefeated 16-0 record and will most likely have a fight announcement soon for a possible title eliminator. Two names stick out that are ranked higher than him that I see him fighting shortly. Those two Amir Albazi and Brandon Moreno ranked fourth and second respectively. Both of these fights would be an entertaining battle.
Bantamweight - Deiveson Figueiredo
While being a former champion in a weight class below, Figueiredo has made his presence well-known in the Bantamweight division. While many thought his change in weight class was out of fear of the Flyweight Champ, Alexandre Pantoja, this was made to go on another tear. And with three fights and three victories in the Bantamweight division (Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt, and Chito Vera), his career might have another title shot in the future. I can definitely see him fighting Umar Nurmagomedov for the title eliminator.
Featherweight - Diego Lopes
I don't think much needs to be said about this kid. He has made a storm in the featherweight division, beating big names like Sadiq Yusuff and Dan Ige. With a fight opposite Brian Ortega at Noche UFC (This weekend at the time), I am very excited to see where this young man's career takes him. With a win over Ortega, I see him fighting the loser of Holloway and Topuria or even Volkanovski. There is huge potential in this kid's future.
Lightweight - Dan Hooker
What a comeback for Dan Hooker. With his first fight in a year, he beats one of the main gatekeepers of the 155 lb. division. I think we knew we were going to see a different man in Hooker, but he went all out and left it all in the octagon. He proved that he wasn't going to be okay with being "just okay." There is one name that sticks out to me in the weight class, that name is Charles Oliveira. With a very similar comeuppance to Do Bronx, Hooker could prove that he is still title worthy. A very bright star shines in Hooker, I am excited as always for his next fight.
Welterweight - Belal Muhammad
I can't believe I am saying this, but as a champion, I see a prominent run ahead of us. Muhammad recently just beat Leon Edwards, whose last loss was almost 10 years back in December of 2015, and some names would make an interesting matchup opposite of Muhammad. Shavkat Rakhmonov is an obvious candidate. There could be a lot of good fights in the future of Welterweight.
Middleweight - Robert Whittaker
The former champion has had a small run of his own recently. Whittaker who lost to the current champ has reassured us that he is here to stay. He came back after losing and beat Paulo Costa in an amazing fight, he was then scheduled to fight Khamzat Chimaev but he had to pull out due to illness. Ikram Aliskerov was called in to replace Chimaev, with Whittaker winning via KO in the first round. He has now said publicly that his new goal is to end Khamzat's unbeaten record and will go to great lengths to do so.
Light Heavyweight - Alex Pereira
What else needs to be said about this man? He has beaten every man that has been put in front of him. He has become a two-division champ in less than 10 fights. As of right now, he is set to fight Khalil Rountree at UFC 307 which is very exciting. There isn't much to be said about him that hasn't been said already.
Heavyweight - Tom Aspinall
Tom Aspinall is just great. He has become Interim Champion and defended his belt against the only man that has beaten him, that being Curtis Blaydes. He has never seen the stool after a second round in the UFC and is looking to dethrone one of the greatest names in combat sports, Jon Jones. I am fully supporting Aspinall in his run for greatness and would love to see him hold the Undisputed belt some time in his career.
Those are just my picks. Please let us know who you are excited to see in the UFC. Catch up with y'all on The Punchline.
Comments