The final UFC pay-per-view event of 2024 took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, showcasing several fighters poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming year. Notable performances by Alexandre Pantoja, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Ciryl Gane have left fans excited about potential matchups in flyweight, welterweight, and heavyweight divisions.
In the flyweight division, current champion Pantoja displayed his skills by defeating newcomer Kai Asakura and is now looking for a new challenger. With both Amir Albazi and Tatsuro Taira falling short against Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval, Pantoja will have the opportunity to face Kai Kara-France, the highest-ranked contender he has yet to fight. Their previous meeting on “The Ultimate Fighter” adds an engaging backdrop to the potential showdown. Additionally, Asakura may find a promising matchup against Steve Erceg, who is known for his submission skills.
Switching to the welterweight division, Shavkat Rakhmonov has continued his undefeated streak, enhancing his status by successfully defending his title shot against Ian Machado Garry. Rakhmonov is expected to face Belal Muhammad for the championship belt, a fight that has been anticipated since an earlier postponement due to an injury on Muhammad’s part. Meanwhile, Garry, following an impressive performance, could find himself against either Colby Covington or Joaquin Buckley to regain momentum in the title race.
In the heavyweight division, a potential clash between champion Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane could be on the horizon, contingent on Jon Jones vacating the title. Gane remains a top contender and is eager to compete twice in 2025. Additionally, Alexander Volkov is seeking a rebound from a controversial loss and might take on Jailton Almeida or Serghei Spivac.
As fans anticipate these matchups, there’s a hopeful sense that the landscape of UFC will be more competitive in 2025, bringing exciting fights and new narratives to the forefront. The recent performances signal an exciting evolution in the divisions, making the upcoming year one to watch closely.
In summary, the UFC’s last event of 2024 not only highlighted key fighters but has set the stage for thrilling future encounters that promise to captivate audiences and elevate the sport.