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Jon Jones. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Six fights UFC fans want to see

By Win Morgan | Last updated 3/1/24

The history of the UFC is littered with great bouts between titans of the sport. The problem is that circumstances out of the control of UFC President Dana White often arise, making these major fights few and far between.

In a perfect world, here are six matchups the fans would love to see.

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall

Jones has recently returned to the Octagon, moving up to the heavyweight division after dominating the light heavies on his way to becoming one of the best in the sport's history. His debut as a heavyweight was no less impressive, as he easily beat top contender Ciryl Gane via a first-round guillotine choke.

Aspinall has been on a rapid rise to the top of the division, demolishing everyone in his way by both knockout and submission. He is one of the few men in the world who seems to have the skills to match up with Jones. This fight actually may happen, as White has stated that the winner of the upcoming match between Jones and former champion Stipe Miocic will then fight Aspinall. Jones is confident he will beat all of the top contenders put in front of him.

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland

Strickland, despite a tough loss to Dricus Du Plessis in his last fight, has quickly become a big draw due to his brash nature and aggressive fighting style. Chimaev has followed a similar path while dismantling all 13 opponents he has faced in the UFC. A bout between these two polarizing figures would be a huge draw featuring two never-quit warriors.

Justin Gaethje vs. Islam Makhachev

Gaethje is the people's champion, a fighter who never disappoints and has fought and beaten numerous UFC greats. Makhachev is the heir apparent to MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, picking up where Khabib left off with a dominating ground game and a willingness to mix it up on his feet. This match would be scintillating, and Makhachev would probably need to choke Gaethje out to win the fight.

Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Leon Edwards

Edwards is the current king of the welterweight division, with recent wins over top contenders Colby Covington, Kamaru Usman twice and Nate Diaz. A win against the dangerous Rakhmonov would cement Edwards' place as one of the best ever, as Rakhmonov is one of the most exciting and dominant fighters to come along in years.

Sean O'Malley vs. Ilia Topuria

O'Malley currently sits atop the bantamweight division as champion. Topuria holds the same position for the featherweights. These two fighters are easily among the most skilled in the UFC, and both would be undefeated if not for O'Malley losing his only fight a few years back after suffering a devastating leg injury in the first round. Although this bout will probably not happen, never say never as O'Malley certainly has the frame to move up a weight class.

Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz

These two immensely popular fighters are both nearing the end of their respective careers. The first two bouts between them were instant classics. A chance to settle the score in an epic trilogy is the only way to go, as fans have clamored for the two to meet one final time before they fade into retirement. Make it happen, Dana. Whatever it takes.

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