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#2. Former interim UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane vs. Tai Tuivasa
Tai Tuivasa has quickly ascended the UFC heavyweight rankings and has set himself up for another big fight. He is coming off an impressive knockout over former title challenger Derrick Lewis.
‘Bam Bam’ had to go through some adversity as Lewis had ground control. But he managed to regroup and dropped ‘The Black Beast’ with a powerful elbow. Tuivasa has also become increasingly popular. His shoey celebrations have taken a life of their own and have become his signature post-fight.
Ciryl Gane hasn’t been announced for any upcoming bouts, so he’d be a logical opponent for ‘Bam Bam.’
He is coming off his first career loss to Francis Ngannou, where the champion showed significant improvements in his wrestling. Despite the loss, Gane remains the No.1 ranked heavyweight and could still earn a future title shot or interim title shot.
#1. Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic vs. Jon Jones
Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic vs. former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is the most logical heavyweight bout to book.
With Ngannou inactive for the time being, Miocic vs. Jones could serve as an interim title bout. The promotion will most likely have to create an interim title. Also, depending on the timetable for ‘The Predator’s' return, it wouldn’t be far-fetched if the winner ended up defending it.
‘Bones’ is yet to make his heavyweight debut after relinquishing the light heavyweight championship in 2020. He has the skillset to replicate the success he had at 205lbs.
It’ll be interesting to see what else he’s added to his arsenal since training with former two-division champion Henry Cejudo.
Despite losing the heavyweight championship to Ngannou, Miocic is still one of the top fighters in the division.
It was no fluke that he was the most successful heavyweight champion in the promotion’s history. He would be a great first matchup for Jones and an indicator on how he measures up at heavyweight.
