5 UFC fights fans really want to see

It is very clear that the UFC is in a new era, one that is all about the 'money fights'. Conor McGregor's arrival at the company back in 2013 has proven to be a very lucrative one for the MMA leaders.

The UFC was sold for $4.2 billion back in 2016 and recently signed a deal with ESPN which has resulted in the organization's president, Dana White claiming that the company is now worth in the region of $7 billion.

This of course, is all down to the success in numbers the shows bring in. Former double champ, McGregor has played a huge role in this as he holds every record in the book when it comes to numbers and figures.

To bring in the most viewers the UFC are now forced into setting up the most in-demand fights that are possible. We are going to be taking a look at 5 of the most in-demand fights right now and that would be sure to bring in the numbers.

#5 Israel Adesanya-Darren Till

At number 5 we have a fight fans dream of. Adesanya vs Till sees two of the best strikers in MMA today, face off. Darren Till announced that he would be moving up to middleweight after he fell short in his welterweight title fight against Tyron Woodley, and who better to welcome him to the division other than, 'The Last Stylebender'.

Adesanya announced himself as a legit contender in the 185-pound division after he walked through Derek Brunson at UFC 230, finishing him in the very first round after a punch perfect performance. This fight makes perfect sense for both fighters as a win over the other would likely only put them just one more victory away from a shot at the middleweight champion.

#4 Max Holloway-Conor McGregor 2

At number 4 we have a rematch between the current and former featherweight champions, Max Holloway and Conor McGregor. The first fight took place back in 2013 before anyone knew the potential of the two men.

McGregor defeated Holloway on that occasion by unanimous decision. That incidentally was the last time that the featherweight champion tasted defeat. 'Blessed' has gone on an incredible 12-fight win streak since losing to 'The Notorious One' and that is what makes this rematch so interesting.

Many fans believe that the contest would be a lot closer now. McGregor has reportedly told Dana White that he is willing to fight anyone who would earn him a rematch with the lightweight champion, so what about the featherweight champion? Other than Brian Ortega who Holloway faces at UFC 231, there isn't really a concrete challenger next in line to face the featherweight champion.

Providing 'Blessed' gets the job done at UFC 231, it may be the perfect opportunity to move up to lightweight and try and avenge his last loss.

#3 Jon Jones-Daniel Cormier 3

At number 3 we have another rematch that we have seen not just once but twice already. Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier is one of the fiercest rivalries that the UFC has ever seen. Jones got his hand raised on both occasions, although the most recent meeting was overturned to a no-contest as the victor later tested positive for turinabol.

Jones is making his return to the Octagon late next month when he takes on Alexander Gustafsson in a rematch for the light-heavyweight championship which has recently been stripped from 'DC'.

Cormier, on the other hand, has been heavily linked to a showdown with former heavyweight champion, Brock Lesnar, a man who Jones famously called out. Should Jones get past Gustafsson on his return, it would be likely that he would then face the winner of Cormier-Lesnar.

It is also well documented that the heavyweight champion may only have a couple more fights left in him. It would be a crying shame if we did not see him face Jones one more time, at heavyweight.

#2 Khabib Nurmagomedov-Tony Ferguson

At number 2 we have a fight that has already been scheduled an incredible 4 times without success, making us all the more desperate to see this one. After victory in the biggest fight in UFC history over Conor McGregor, options are in abundance for the lightweight champion right now, but none are more deserving than Tony Ferguson.

'El Cucuy' is currently riding an 11-fight win streak and many people believe that he has the best chance at beating the undefeated and seemingly unstoppable Russian. Both fighters competed on the historic UFC 229 card, thus having the same layoff.

It seems like the perfect time to schedule this once again. As mentioned earlier, McGregor is willing to fight the 'next in line' in order to get another shot at 'The Eagle', paving the way for this fight to take place without any obstacles on that front. Fifth time lucky?

#1 Tyron Woodley-Georges St-Pierre

At number 1 we have a battle for the welterweight G.O.A.T status. Tyron Woodley vs GSP almost feels like a battle of two generations, similar to when GSP took on Matt Hughes. The current champ has been calling for this fight ever since he won the title two years ago.

GSP made his long-awaited return against then-middleweight champion, Michael Bisping last year but has not competed since. He has recently declared an interest in fighting lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, stating that that fight motivates him.

Since becoming champion, 'The Chosen One' has defended his title on four separate occasions without having really been tested but that would be sure to change if he took on one of the best to ever do it, in GSP. Victory for either man would give them the right to call themselves the greatest ever welterweight fighter.

Edited by Arvind Sriram