Gane focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Alex Poatan may receive a golden opportunity in the UFC heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg). Tom Aspinall , the undisputed champion of the category, announced that he will vacate the belt due to his eye injury . This situation forces Ciryl Gane , the current interim champion, to assume the title and increases the chances of the Brazilian receiving his long-awaited rematch. However, the Frenchman will face strong competition for his first title defense.
See too
Besides Alex Poatan , Ciryl Gane has other names that could end up sharing the octagon with him in his first title defense in the world's most dangerous division. Given the current state of the division, the SUPER LUTAS team has listed the main contenders for the title and the arguments that could put them in the Frenchman's path.
Alex Poatán
Poatan focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC
Alex Poatan , the top name on the list, is also a fan favorite to receive the opportunity. The former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion is looking to make history and become the first three-time champion in the world's largest MMA organization.
Although he has strong sporting credentials, Poatan also stands out in the race for commercial appeal, as he is considered by many to be one of the biggest names in the UFC today. On the other hand, his record of only one fight in the heavyweight division, which ended in defeat, could weigh against his selection.
Josh Hokit
Hokit promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
In his first season in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Josh Hokit arrived like a hurricane. With four wins in four fights, the American knew how to take advantage of the spotlight and, through his trash talk, positioned himself as a possible next challenger for the title.
Sergei Pavlovich
Sergei Pavlovich after his victory at UFC Las Vegas 71. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFC
With a three-fight winning streak in the UFC, Sergei Pavlovich is an outsider in the title race. The Russian giant has nine wins in 12 fights in the organization and, although he doesn't have the same media appeal as other options, he is one of the names that has been at the top of the division for the longest time.
Jon Jones
Jon Jones promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/jonnybones
Retired since December 2024, Jon Jones still flirts with a possible return to the octagon. Even away from the action and living through a public war with Dana White behind the scenes, the former champion remains eligible to compete, since he continues to be tested by the organization's anti-doping program.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
Comments