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This is the 2nd edition of the Weekly Rounds, where I will give some thoughts on some topics around the world of MMA. The opinions are all mine, would love a good debate!

By: Will Brewer 

Ok. Glove touch. HERE. WE. GO!

Round 1: The State of the UFC Heavyweight Division

Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Let’s just face it, The heavyweight division is in shambles right now. This is perhaps the worst that the division has ever been. Tom Aspinall, the reigning undisputed champion, is out for who knows how long with the eye surgeries suffered against Cyril Gane last October. Gane, who hasn’t fought or even been heard from since the Aspinall fight at UFC 321, is on the shelf because his next fight should be for the championship. The rest of the division outside of the top looks to be in rough shape.

Jon Jones is on the verge of retirement; he didn’t show much interest in the heavyweight division when he was champion. I still don’t believe Jones was ‘ducking’ Aspinall, I really believe he didn’t feel that the risk was worth the reward in fighting Aspinall. Waldo Cortes-Acosta has won 8 of his last 9 fights, most recently defeating Derrick Lewis at UFC 324. He is on the short list of potential contenders, but it is a short list. Alexander Volkov is on the list as well, but his last win over Jailton Almedia didn’t win him many fans.

How does the heavyweight problem get fixed? I’m not sure what the answer is, but I do think that help is on the way. The UFC has got to be close to signing former Olympic and NCAA wrestling champion Gable Steveson. The addition of Steveson will bring some much-needed youth and excitement to the division. Steveson is already an elite wrestler, but he is now sharpening his tools. He is being coached by Jon Jones and his coaches in New Mexico, Steveson has also began competing in the Dirty Boxing promotion. The combination of the division being light plus Steveson’s natural talent, I don’t think it’s crazy to think that Steveson could quickly become the heavyweight champion.

Round 2: Nate Diaz return?!

Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Nate Diaz has found a way to remain relevant in the MMA world despite not having fought since 2022. It just takes a simple tweet from Diaz, and the world begins to speculate his possible return. There have been times where Diaz is talking, and I think he’s just talking. However, I think there’s something behind Diaz’s recent tweets.

“Let’s not act like I didn’t start a whole division bringing value to all these guys claiming they’re it. I gave opportunity and put notice on the dopest fights I got unfinished business and I plan on going and taking what’s mine asap 1st to ever start a division and the dopest one at that Your welcome motherfuckers I’ll see you soon I’m coming.”  – @NateDiaz209 via X 

https://x.com/NateDiaz209/status/2021745401456648509

He’s been calling out the likes of Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira with their UFC 326 BMF title fight on the horizon. Also, he is giving himself credit for creating the BMF title. I think he deserves that credit because without his declaration of a belt that he won at UFC 241, then we may not have ever gotten the fun BMF title fights. Diaz has been on the sidelines, but he always pops out when the BMF title is getting defended.

Diaz is now 40-years old, and we must wonder how much Diaz has left. Diaz did defeat Tony Ferguson in his last UFC bout, but he didn’t exactly look as elite as he once was. However, Diaz will always be a superstar and his addition to any card would be massive. The BMF title fights haven’t exactly been about who is the best or the most technical, it’s been about who is the baddest. Diaz always has a chance in fights like that. It makes the thought of a Diaz/Holloway, Diaz/Oliveira, or Diaz/McGregor trilogy more intriguing.

Round 3: Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria

The current dream superfight that everyone seems to want in the UFC right now is Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev and undefeated Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria. When Ilia moved up last year, it looked like we would get that massive fight. However, Islam decided to move up to pursue the Welterweight Championship (which he won dominantly) and Ilia ended up fighting Charles Oliveira for the lightweight championship. Topuria knocked out Charles in round 1.

Ilia has been chasing Islam since he won the featherweight title in 2024. The fight at that time was big, but the thought of this fight now is gigantic.  It seems now that Islam is finally on board to fighting Ilia after a recent interview.

“I like this idea, if UFC wants. I know a lot of MMA fans want this fight. I’m ready. – Islam Makhachev via Telegraf

https://x.com/UFConParamount/status/2021671044365558176

Islam and Ilia are both two-division world champions and between the two they have a combined 45-1 record. The historic White House event would be a great location for this massive fight. Then, the matchup stylistically is very intriguing.

Islam has the incredible Dagestan grappling skills combined with smooth but devastating striking. When you think Islam is just going to grapple, he will bring out a nasty head kick like he did against Alexander Volkanovski. If you get comfortable on the feet, Islam will shoot in for a takedown with stunning quickness. Ilia has knocked out three of the most legendary and beloved fighters in Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and Volkanovski. He has shown a power that we haven’t seen in the lighter divisions since maybe Conor McGregor.

These all lead to some very interesting questions. Can Ilia knock Islam out? Can Islam dominate Ilia like he has done to everyone else?

THANK YOU FOR READING!

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