2023 is almost in the rear-view mirror, so it’s time we talked about 5 UFC fights that we would like to see in 2024. There was no shortage of action this year and next year promises to deliver once again. Let’s get into it.
5 UFC Fights for 2024
Islam Makhachev vs Justin Gaethje
Pound for pound king Islam Makhachev had a year to remember. The UFC lightweight champion defeated one of the best mixed martial artists to ever step foot in the octagon not once but twice. His victories over Alexander Volkanovski solidified his status as the pound for pound best in the world. Despite knocking out Volkanovski in the second fight to defend his title, one question remains. How will he fare against the best fighters in his division?
His magnificent wins against Volkanovski cannot be downplayed, but we must remember that the Australian courageously moved up a weight class to take these fights. Makhachev only has one win over a current top five lightweight – a submission victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Silencing the critics with another win over a world class 155lb fighter is what he needs right now, and who better to do that against than Justin Gaethje? Gaethje is coming off a stunning head kick knockout win over Dustin Poirier, and ‘The Highlight’ is capable of putting anyone away. The fresh matchup with Gaethje is undeniably an intriguing one for Makhachev, and should be considered by the champion before a move up to welterweight. This has the potential to be one of the fights of the year in 2024.
Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall
Another mouthwatering prospect for 2024 could take place in the heavyweight division. Champion Jon Jones may currently be on the sidelines with a serious injury, but if he makes a recovery next year, the fight to make might well be against interim champion Tom Aspinall. The consensus greatest of all time came back after a three year layoff and easily dispatched Ciryl Gane in one round at UFC 285. He was set to fight Stipe Miocic before the injury and this could still happen, but if ‘Bones’ defeats an aging Stipe, he may be tempted into a matchup with the seemingly unstoppable Brit before retirement.
Aspinall had the perfect year after making his comeback from injury. He stopped Marcin Tybura in July before knocking out the dangerous Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 to secure the interim title. Aspinall has the skills and the power to challenge the great Jon Jones. This fight would be fireworks.
Alex Pereira vs Israel Adesanya III
Compiling a small list of big fights for 2024 is a challenge. The options are abundant. This one had to make the list though as it still feels as if these two titans have unfinished business.
After his shocking defeat to Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya made the call to take some time away from the sport. Recently though he has teased a return, but has not specified who he’d like to fight. With the score at 1-1 in MMA between Alex Pereira and Adesanya, a decider feels imminent. The fighters share an epic story and an enthralling rivalry that spans almost eight years, so another battle to settle the score would be fascinating. Since Adesanya visciously knocked out Pereira in April, the Brazilian striker has moved up and taken the light heavyweight title. Could ‘The Last Stylebender’ be enticed to 205lbs to continue the saga in 2024?
Leon Edwards vs Shavkat Rakhmonov
Once shunned and overlooked, Leon Edwards has now cemented his place in UFC history. He was able to defend his welterweight crown twice this year against Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington. ‘Rocky’, unbeaten in 13 fights, might be looking at a rematch with Belal Muhammad in 2024, but beware the rising contenders.
Shavkat Rakhmonov cannot be ignored after his MMA run of 18 wins and 18 finishes. He is without a doubt a future title challenger and he has Edwards in his crosshairs. The dynamic Kazakh finisher can do it all and he has proved this in his six UFC fights so far, with five submissions and one knockout. Edwards is a savant and a master of his craft, but he will have his hands full with Rakhmonov.
Sean Strickland vs Khamzat Chimaev
Sean Strickland shocked the world with his victory over Adesanya. No one gave him a chance, but here he stands as middleweight champion. His next assignment is against the dominant Dricus du Plessis, but Khamzat Chimaev is waiting in the wings with his eyes on the top contenders at 185lbs.
In his first middleweight bout since his KO over Gerald Meerschaert, Chimaev defeated Kamaru Usman by majority decision in October. Usman stepped up from welterweight and put on a valiant display as he pushed Chimaev to his limit. Chimaev was overlooked for the next title shot as du Plessis got the nod, but he could now be on a collision course with the current champion. Whether Strickland defends his belt or not, Chimaev could be next for the American. This matchup promises to deliver entertainment in and out of the cage.
5 UFC Fights for 2024: Honourable Mentions
Alexa Grasso vs Erin Blanchfield
Zhang Weili vs Yan Xiaonan
Jamahal Hill vs Alex Pereira
Sean O’Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili
Islam Makhachev vs Charles Oliveira
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
