Bold UFC predictions : Potential trades, Ngannou and McGregor comeback fights

Bold UFC predictions : Potential trades, Ngannou and McGregor comeback fights

As the MMA world gears up for an exhilarating 2025, fans and pundits alike are buzzing with anticipation. From potential blockbuster trades to the comeback of legendary fighters, this year promises to be a game-changer for the sport. Let’s dive into some bold predictions that could shake up the UFC landscape.

Unexpected trades and roster shakeups

The MMA community is abuzz with speculation about potential trades between promotions. Following the groundbreaking 2018 swap that saw Demetrious Johnson move to One Championship in exchange for Ben Askren, many believe another major trade is on the horizon.

Rumors are swirling around Dakota Ditcheva, the PFL’s 2024 women’s flyweight champion. Sources indicate that the UFC has shown interest in acquiring the talented 26-year-old fighter. This potential move could trigger a domino effect, leading to multiple trades between organizations.

Possible trade scenarios include:

  • UFC heavyweights moving to PFL to challenge Francis Ngannou
  • Rising stars from smaller promotions joining the UFC roster
  • Veteran fighters seeking new challenges in different organizations

These trades could reshape the competitive landscape across weight divisions and promotions, injecting fresh excitement into the sport.

Legendary comebacks and final showdowns

Fight fans are eagerly anticipating the potential return of two of the sport’s biggest names: Francis Ngannou and Conor McGregor. Both fighters have been absent from MMA competition, but 2025 could mark their triumphant returns.

Ngannou, the PFL Super Fights heavyweight champion, faces a shortage of credible opponents within his current promotion. This predicament may lead him back to the boxing ring for a high-profile matchup. Speculation is rife about a potential clash with former heavyweight boxing champion Deontay Wilder as part of Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, McGregor, now 37 and inactive for nearly four years, could be gearing up for one last blockbuster fight. The most likely scenario? A trilogy bout against his longtime rival, Nate Diaz. This matchup would undoubtedly generate massive interest and serve as a fitting swansong for the Irish superstar.

Fighter Potential Opponent Predicted Outcome
Francis Ngannou Deontay Wilder (Boxing) Ngannou by KO
Conor McGregor Nate Diaz McGregor by Decision

Rising stars and championship predictions

While the veterans prepare for their swan songs, a new generation of fighters is poised to take center stage. Ilia Topuria, the reigning UFC featherweight champion, is tipped by many to become the 2025 men’s fighter of the year.

Topuria’s potential path to glory could include:

  1. A rematch against former champion Alexander Volkanovski
  2. A title defense against rising contender Diego Lopes
  3. A showdown with the surging Movsar Evloev

However, Topuria’s coach has hinted at a move to the lightweight division. This ambitious leap could prove challenging, as Topuria would face significantly larger opponents at 155 pounds. Some analysts predict he may struggle in his lightweight debut, potentially leading to a quick return to featherweight.

Another fighter to watch is Khamzat Chimaev. Despite his inconsistent activity in recent years, 2025 could be the year Chimaev finally competes multiple times in a calendar year. With health issues reportedly addressed and potential visa complications resolved, fans may see the undefeated phenom in action more frequently.

Farewell to a legend

As new stars rise, 2025 may mark the end of an era for one of MMA’s greatest fighters. Jon Jones, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, is predicted to face interim champion Tom Aspinall in a title unification bout. This highly anticipated matchup could serve as Jones’ final appearance in the Octagon.

Despite expectations of a competitive fight, many believe Jones will perform better than anticipated against the younger Aspinall. Regardless of the outcome, this clash of titans may be the perfect swan song for ‘Bones’, allowing him to exit the sport on his own terms.

The potential retirement of Jones would undoubtedly reshape the heavyweight division and open up new opportunities for emerging contenders. It would also solidify his legacy as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.

As 2025 unfolds, these bold predictions paint a picture of an electrifying year in MMA. From unexpected trades and legendary comebacks to the rise of new champions and the farewell of icons, the sport stands on the brink of a transformative period. Fight fans around the world will be watching closely as these storylines develop, potentially reshaping the landscape of mixed martial arts for years to come.

Clara Byrne
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