The UFC fights we want to see in 2021/22

With exhibition fights dominating the boxing world, UFC is fast gaining widespread approval as the greatest combat sport out there – much to the delight of longstanding UFC fans. 

If the bosses can pull together the right cards, then their place at the top could be secured for the foreseeable. Here we look at the UFC fights we want to see.

Number 3. Nate Diaz vs Conor McGregor

We’ve already poked a subtle jibe at boxing in our intro so it’s perhaps fitting that one of the UFC fights we want to see involves Conor McGregor. 

He was responsible for one of the most farcical boxing fights we’ve seen after all – if you’re someone that avoids those sort of match ups we’re referencing his “fight” with one of boxings best defensive masters, Floyd Mayweather Jr.

 In UFC though, McGregor is a much more seasoned fighter and most fans would love to see him slugging it out with Nate Diaz – again. Conor might not be the best fighter ever, but he is one of the most marketable for sure. 

Just like LeBron James name sells and makes you want to read more about NBA transfer rumors, Conor is also a money maker for many brands, so it would be a win-win for the UFC. 

Diaz is fresh off a defeat to Leon Edwards at UFC 263 but his performance – particularly that in the final round – had the watching masses lauding him. He and McGregor have already fought twice with a win each to their names and a trilogy fight would draw quite the crowd. 

It’s got a serious chance of happening; the only thing that might prevent it is if Dustin Poirier makes light work of McGregor in a month’s time.

Number 2. Marina Rodriguez vs Mackenzie Dern

There has been plenty of chatter about this fight between the upcoming prospect Marina Rodriguez and ex-World number one Mackenzie Dern. 

As yet though, the details haven’t been firmed up leading to a lot of scepticism circling around whether or not the bout will take place. If it was up to the fans, the deal would be signed already.

You cannot deny that Dern is a formidable fighter with just one loss in her career whilst her submission game is up there with the best of them. She’s on a four fight winning streak and her last matchup was against Nina Ansaroff back in April where he first round armbar submission saw her earn the performance of the night plaudits. 

The appeal of pitting her against Rodriguez is born out of cheering on the lesser fancied fighter. With big victories over Michelle Waterson (decision) and Amanda Ribas (ko) already to her name, this fight will bring big expectations. 

Number 1. Israel Adesanya vs Robert Whittaker 

Rewind to October 2019 and Israel Adesanya was leaving the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne as not only the Middleweight Champion but having scooped the performance of the night award as well. He ended the fight in round two with the knockout of Whittaker. 

Whittaker has bounced back well though. In fact, he has been a man on a mission recording a trio of straight unanimous decision victories; the driving force of that winning streak has been another shot at Adesanya. 

There are plenty out there that would suggest Adesanya doesn’t particularly want to take the fight but after he defended his title at UFC 263 – largely courtesy of some impressive leg work – there is a really strong chance that things align for this to happen. Whittaker, who looked on top of his game beating Kelvin Gastelum last time out, took to twitter after Adesanya’s win and seemingly called him out with the words “Rest up, see you soon”. The idea of the two exchanging blows again certainly gets the pulse going.

There you have it, three fights that all UFC fans would love to see. Have we missed any big ones? Let us know below.