2021 has been a treat for the UFC fans so far.
Ticking the list of a number of anticipated fights, on one hand, they have been treated with the rematch and trilogy fight between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor, while the Lightweight division has a new ruler Charles Oliveira.
Plus, Francis Ngannou has soared to the top of the heavyweight division as the new titleholder, Israel Adesanya has thrashed rival Marvin Vettori for the second time, and Miesha Tate has made her much-awaited return to the Octagon. To get a taste of online casinos, head over to the best real money Teen Patti casinos.
The list goes on and on, but there are still a number of encounters that peak the interests of the fans and are also on the cards to take place within the five months remaining of this year.
Below here are three UFC fights to look forward to in 2021:
1. Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic
Without a doubt, the MMA fandom is looking forward to the heavyweight debut of Jon Jones. The former UFC Light Heavyweight champion, who ruled the division for nine years, “Bones” vacated his title in May last year following a dispute with UFC president Dana White regarding pay.
While Jones himself expressed to make his heavyweight debut against the reigning champion Francis Ngannou, talks fell apart after White thumbed down Jones’ pay demands.
Meanwhile, former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic has emerged as the top favourite to face Jones on the latter’s heavyweight debut. Touted as the greatest UFC heavyweight of all time, Miocic lost his belt against Ngannou at UFC 206 in March.
The fanbase has been yearning to see the two clashing against one another for years and now Jones finally moving up a division, the two might finally be seen within the same cage.
2. Charles Oliveira vs Dustin Poirier
2021 has been an eventful year in UFC’s Lightweight division. Charles Oliveira has emerged as the new world champion, succeeding Khabib Nurmagomedov after he vacated the title in March.
Following a decade in UFC, ‘Do Bronx’ earned his first title fight against former three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler at UFC 262 15th May and clinched 2nd round TKO victory at the Toyota Center.
Meanwhile, Dustin Poirier has been climbing the lightweight rankings and two remarkable back to back wins over friend-turned-rival Conor McGregor, is currently the number one ranked fighter in the division and a title fight against Oliveira is speculated to take place in December, which will also mark the latter’s first title defence.
3. Miesha Tate vs Holly Holm
Even before making her much-awaited comeback to the cage following a five-year hiatus, former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate expressed her goals to not only regain her title but also to trade blows against the one who she defeated to become champion- Holly Holm.
Back in March 2016, Tate defeated the then Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holm at UFC 196 in Las Vegas, submitting “The Preacher’s Daughter” via a rear-naked choke in the fifth round.
Now, “Cupcake” has made a stunning return to the Octagon with a 3rd round TKO victory against Marion Reneau at UFC Vegas 31 on 17th July at the UFC Apex Facility in Las Vegas and is positive to have her rematch against Holm, who is currently on a two-fight win streak.