Looking Ahead to 2024: Bold Predictions for the UFC
As the curtain closes on another year in mixed martial arts (MMA), fans and analysts alike turn their attention to what lies ahead in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for 2024. This new year is poised to be filled with excitement and unpredictability, as numerous title defenses and high-profile returns are anticipated. With 2023 having crowned six new champions and solidified existing ones, experts at CBS Sports have shared their bold predictions, highlighting potential matchups and movements within the heavyweight and welterweight divisions.
Makhachev’s Ambitious Move to Welterweight
Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion and current pound-for-pound (P4P) king, is expected to achieve a significant milestone this year. Makhachev, 33, already boasts three title defenses at 155 pounds and notable victories over top-ranked fighters, including two wins against Alexander Volkanovski, regarded as one of the best in the sport. With a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan scheduled for January 18, a successful defense would put Makhachev on the verge of equaling Anderson Silva’s record of 16 consecutive wins in the UFC.
Analysts suggest that if Makhachev cleans out the lightweight division, a jump to the welterweight class (170 pounds) could be a sensible career move. Should he pursue a title shot in this new weight class, he would likely challenge either Belal Muhammad or Shavkat Rakhmonov, both currently at the top of the welterweight rankings. Makhachev’s physicality and all-around skill set make him a strong contender to secure a championship belt in yet another weight class.
Anticipated Showdown: Jones vs. Aspinall
Another matchup generating excitement among fans and analysts is the potential fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. Jones, a long-time heavyweight champion and a name synonymous with MMA greatness, has been influenced by public perception regarding his reluctance to face Aspinall—a rising star known for his finishing ability. UFC President Dana White has emphasized the importance of securing this fight as a means of maintaining interest in the sport amid a downturn in audience engagement.
Both fighters have indicated that financial incentives could facilitate the matchup. With major events needing to draw viewership outside of the hardcore fan base, Jones vs. Aspinall is seen as a pivotal fight for the UFC that could reignite mainstream appeal.
Changes on the Roster: Usman Nurmagomedov and Patricio Pitbull
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is facing criticism for its handling of high-profile fighters in light of their recent decisions. Both League lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and Bellator featherweight champion Patricio Pitbull are rumored to be seeking opportunities with the UFC as they navigate their current contracts. Nurmagomedov has publicly expressed his ambition to contend for the UFC title, while Pitbull has openly sought his release from PFL contracts.
Experts predict that 2024 will see Pitbull and Nurmagomedov officially join the UFC roster, although it remains uncertain whether they will make immediate appearances in the octagon. Nurmagomedov’s aspirations could parallel Makhachev’s reign if the latter moves into welterweight, ensuring a possible clash between close friends down the line.
Significance and Future Implications
These predictions, while ambitious, underscore the dynamic nature of the UFC landscape. With each new year comes new champions, unexpected outcomes, and fresh rivalries that captivate audiences worldwide. The possibility of Makhachev achieving greatness in two weight classes, the anticipated clash between MMA legends, and the potential influx of new talent from the PFL all point to a year filled with strategic moves and rejuvenated titles.
As fans eagerly await the events of 2024, the landscape of the UFC promises to remain as exciting and unpredictable as ever. Whether these predictions materialize or not, they certainly set the stage for what could be another thrilling chapter in the history of mixed martial arts.
