3 UFC vs. ONE heavyweight matchups fans want to see

Who doesn’t want to see two massive heavyweights go at it in a steel cage? Everyone wants to see explosive displays of brute strength and power, resulting in highlight-reel knockouts.

In that regard, nobody can do better than the heavyweights of mixed martial arts.

Two of the world’s biggest MMA promotions, the UFC and ONE Championship, have an abundant pool of heavyweight talent on their respective rosters. It’s such a shame that they haven’t found a way to cross-promote and pit their fighters against each other. However, that doesn’t mean fans can’t speculate.

After all, no big-time match ever happened without it being a dream match at first. Given the unpredictable nature of the sport, not only during fights but also outside of it, we can't be certain that some of these fighters will end up staying put or exploring their options.

Whether in the Octagon or in the Circle, heavyweights from both promotions are always looking to put on a show. As fans, we can only dream. Let’s take a look at a few interesting dream fights in the highest weight class of combat sports.

Here are three UFC vs. ONE Championship heavyweight matchups fans want to see.

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#3. Derrick Lewis (UFC) vs. Kang Ji Won (ONE Championship)

Kang Ji Won has never let a fight go beyond the first round, which is a testament to his power and desire to finish a fight on his own terms. He is quickly becoming a fighter to watch out for in the promotion’s heavyweight division because of his exciting brand of fighting.

Kang debuted for in the largest MMA promotion in Asia in 2021, knocking out his first two opponents, highly-regarded wrestlers Mehdi Barghi and Amir Aliakbari. He was never supposed to beat them, but came out of nowhere to post spectacular knockout spectacles.

What better way for the 26-year-old to show the world just how legit his stopping power is than going up against the UFC’s Derrick Lewis?

Even at 10 years older than the South Korean behemoth, Lewis continues to be a force in the sport, with his last three wins coming by way of knockout. His latest victory in December 2021 against Chris Daukaus gave him the record for most knockouts in the UFC at 13.

A clash between these two titans would most definitely be a slugfest. Both like to fight on their feet and with the power behind both fighters’ fists, it could end in the blink of an eye.

#2. Stipe Miocic (UFC) vs. Anatoly Malaykhin (ONE Championship)

Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic and ONE Championship’s Anatoly Malykhin are two of the most fearsome heavyweights in the world. However, they don’t always take themselves too seriously.

Miocic has consistently shown his funny side during backstage videos, while Malykhin has made a conscious effort to build up his presence on social media.

The build-up to this epic dream match could start on their social media pages, with memes and skits that only these two men could pull off.

However, both men mean business once the bell rings and it’s time to tussle. Together, they have a combined 21 knockouts in 29 wins. That serves as proof they are not only trying to put on a show, but also have a strong desire to let their hands decide the results of every fight.

While Malykhin is just starting to rise on the global stage, Miocic is a proven veteran and is regarded as one of the all-time best heavyweights in the UFC.

It would be an interesting battle in and out of the cage, with the only true winners being combat sports fans who would follow this matchup.

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#1. Arjan Bhullar (ONE Championship) vs. Francis Ngannou (UFC)

A battle between Arjan Bhullar and Francis Ngannou would be more than just one between world champions.

Bhullar’s parents moved from India to Canada, where he was born and raised. Growing up, he had to face racism and had to work his way to a successful career in order to earn respect.

His martial arts accolades certainly helped and he now stands as the first Indian MMA world champion in history.

Meanwhile, Ngannou lived through poverty in Cameroon and battled a troubled childhood before finding solace in martial arts.

He traveled continents looking for a better life for himself and had to fight and earn every single thing that he has right now. He reigns as the UFC’s heavyweight king and holds the record for having the most powerful punch in the world.

They are on top of their respective promotions for a reason and their battle-hardened past is a testament to the incredible journeys these men have had to go through to reach their spot.