The UFC's heavyweight division has long been one of the most intriguing and ever-evolving weight classes in the world of mixed martial arts. With legends like Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones at the forefront, as well as rising stars like Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich, the division is currently at a crossroads. In a recent Twitter space discussion, fans and experts weighed in on the situation and offered their opinions on how to unscramble the UFC's heavyweight title problem.
One of the most discussed topics during the Twitter space was the potential matchup between Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones. Angus proposed that this high-stakes battle should take place in Pula Arena, Croatia, a location that not only gives off "gladiator vibes" but also holds special significance as the first UFC event in Croatia since Rothwell vs. Dos Santos in 2016. The fact that Stipe Miocic is of Croatian descent adds to the allure of this location.
However, opinions on whether Stipe deserved the title shot were mixed. Some argued that he didn't, but others believed he still possessed a "puncher's chance." The consensus seemed to be that a Miocic vs. Jones fight should be considered a double retirement match, with the winner vacating the belt and the interim champion being promoted to champion. This would emphasize the fact that the true heavyweight champion could be determined by the winner of Pavlovich vs. Aspinall.
In the Twitter space, there was a debate over who would emerge victorious between Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall. Taylor argued that if Aspinall executed his game plan, he had a good chance of winning but emphasized that he shouldn't engage in a striking battle with Pavlovich. Angus saw similarities to Pavlovich's past fight against Overeem and predicted an Aspinall win, while Ash highlighted Aspinall's underrated striking abilities, suggesting that he might outpace Pavlovich if the fight went beyond two rounds.
Assuming that Jones and Miocic both retire after their match, the winner of Pavlovich vs. Aspinall would be in a prime position to stake a claim for the heavyweight title.
The discussion also delved into what's next for the heavyweight division. Assuming Jailton Almeida wins his fight against Derrick Lewis in the UFC Brazil headliner, many believed that he should face Alexander Volkov next. While Lewis is known for his "puncher's chance" and experience, Almeida's potential victory could pave the way for a fight with Volkov, given his striking abilities and rising status.
If both Jones and Miocic decide to retire after their match, the winner of Pavlovich vs. Aspinall should potentially face Cyril Gane for the heavyweight belt. Curtis Blaydes, meanwhile, may need to fight down the rankings to reestablish his position in the division.
In conclusion, the UFC's heavyweight title problem is a complex puzzle with several moving pieces. The Twitter space discussion shed light on the potential paths the division could take. Whether it's Miocic vs. Jones, Pavlovich vs. Aspinall, or the many other talented heavyweights in the mix, one thing is certain: whoever emerges as the UFC heavyweight champion will have a large following, making the division as exciting as ever for fans and fighters alike.
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