Predicting the next UFC title fights in 5 divisions

The next title fight in the light heavyweight division is tough to predict
The next title fight in the light heavyweight division is tough to predict

#4 Valentina Shevchenko vs. Miesha Tate - UFC women's flyweight championship

Tate is currently the no. 10 ranked fighter at bantamweight
Tate is currently the no. 10 ranked fighter at bantamweight

UFC women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko faced, by far, her toughest challenge in recent memory against Taila Santos at UFC 275. However, with Santos set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury, that opens the door for a new challenger to enter the title picture.

Miesha Tate appears best placed to do so should she beat Lauren Murphy on July 2. A Murphy win would likely not be enough to secure her a title opportunity given she suffered a one-sided defeat to Shevchenko fairly recently. Tate has the name value and resume that would make this a big-time fight.

Tate's decision to move down to flyweight was likely substantially influenced by the fact that there is not a lengthy line of contenders in the division. Should the former bantamweight champion pick up a win in her next bout where she will be the favorite, expect this match-up to follow.


#3 Stipe Miocic vs. Jon Jones - Interim UFC heavyweight championship

Miocic is currently the no. 2 ranked fighter at heavyweight
Miocic is currently the no. 2 ranked fighter at heavyweight

The UFC heavyweight division has been in an interesting spot since January when Francis Ngannou defended his belt over Ciryl Gane. Ngannou has 0 fights left on his contract and won't be returning to action any time soon as he recuperates from injury. Therefore, an interim title fight seems destined to happen.

If that does indeed prove to be the case, Jon Jones seems like a lock to be involved in that fight. The greatest light heavyweight in history has been teasing a move up seemingly forever and it appears that moment may finally be arriving soon.

The other half of the fight would surely belong to the greatest heavyweight of all time, Stipe Miocic. Miocic may have lost his belt to Ngannou but his resume speaks for itself and parinig him up with Jones is the biggest fight the UFC could put on in this scenario.

Quick Links