The UFC in 2017: Five fights we want to see, featuring Jon Jones, Conor McGregor and Cris Cyborg
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From Conor McGregor's crowning as a two-weight world champion to the unsuccessful return of Ronda Rousey, the UFC delivered again in 2016.
While Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Demetrious Johnson remain dominant in their divisions, the women's bantamweight crown and men's lightweight title repeatedly changed hands.
And with plenty of questions left unanswered, 2017 promises to be another action-packed year.
Here are five fights we would like to see made.
Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier II
It is perfectly plausible to suggest this fight is cursed. Almost two years since their first meeting, we are no closer to seeing Jones and Cormier touch gloves in the Octagon again after an injury to the latter (UFC 197) and a failed drug test by the former (UFC 200). But while some have abandoned hope, if Cormier can see off Anthony Johnson is their soon-to-be-announced re-arranged rematch and Jones can keep himself out of trouble in the lead up to his summer return, we might finally see the light-heavyweights trade leather once again.
(Photo: Steve Marcus/Getty)
Conor McGregor vs Khabib Nurmagomedov
Whether his featherweight belt was taken away or given up, McGregor looks set to remain at 155lb for the foreseeable future, even if the next few months of his life will be taken up by nappies, not grappling. Once the Dubliner becomes a father in May, his attention will return to the Octagon and waiting for him there will likely be one of two men: Tony Ferguson or Khabib Nurmagomedov. The obvious fight in the division is between those to for the interim lightweight title, even if president Dana White ruled it out last week. If anyone can end Ferguson's stunning nine-fight winning streak, it is the Russian, which would set up a mouthwatering meeting for later in the year.
(Photo: USA Today Sports)
Jimi Manuwa vs Ryan Bader
It has been a turbulent three years for the Londoner with defeat by Alexander Gustafsson followed by a year on the sidelines through injury. He returned to outpoint Jan Blachowicz - the first time Manuwa had gone the distance in his career - but was brought back down to earth five months later by a second-round KO courtesy of Anthony Johnson. Injury hit again but again he rebounded well with a stunning stoppage of Ovince Saint Preux at UFC 204 in Manchester. Meanwhile, Bader has beaten Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Ilir Latifi since suffering his own defeat by Johnson. This match-up would be must-win for both men if they are to have a realistic shot at the light-heavyweight title.
(Photo: Reuters)
Demian Maia vs Tyron Woodley/Stephen Thompson
The last thing Maia needed was a draw between Tyron Woodley and Stephen Thompson but that's exactly what they delivered back in November. Assuming that rematch is made in the coming months, Maia should be announced as the winner's next opponent, although an eliminator against the busiest man on the roster, Donald Cerrone, would be a satisfying alternative. With the Brazilian on a six-fight win streak and Cerrone just two behind, they are the obvious next challengers.
Cris Cyborg vs Holly Holm/Germaine de Randamie
After two defeats in succession following her win over Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm can become the inaugural women's featherweight champion with victory over Germaine de Randamie. The announcement of the fight - which will headline UFC 208 in February - came as a surprise after the promotion had repeatedly insisted that Invicta's 145lb champion Cris Cyborg boil down to 135lb is she wanted to compete in the organisation, then overlooked her. But Cyborg's failed drugs test has cast a cloud over her future and she could face a fight just to compete again in the UFC. Assuming she does, however, she must be in pole position to challenge the first 145lb champion.