The heavyweight division revival might just have started at UFC 327. Curtis Blaydes asked the question we’re all thinking after his barn burner with Josh Hokit: “Did we save heavyweight, chat?” Bloody hell, what a scrap that was.
Even with a fractured nose and orbital bone courtesy of newcomer Josh Hokit, Blaydes kept his sense of humour intact. That three-round war on April 11th reminded us why we fell in love with the big lads in the first place. However, one fight doesn’t fix everything – but it’s a proper start.
Can Josh Hokit Back Up the Heavyweight Division Hype?
Meanwhile, Hokit’s WWE-style antics are cringeworthy as anything. The lad knows he’s peddling cringe and doesn’t care one bit. His 3-0 UFC start proves the formula works, but what happens when he faces his first loss?
Furthermore, the real question isn’t whether Hokit grabs attention – it’s whether he’s got the substance to match. His quality win over top-five heavyweight Blaydes earned him a scrap with Derrick Lewis at the White House event on June 14th. If he keeps winning, this circus act could become genuinely dangerous.
The UFC heavyweight landscape desperately needs fresh blood. Jon Jones’ retirement and Tom Aspinall’s medical uncertainty have left massive holes at the top.
Gable Steveson and the Next Generation Challenge
Speaking of fresh blood, Gable Steveson will be brilliant at MMA – eventually. The Olympic gold medallist wrestler signed with the UFC last week, though they probably didn’t want to rush this signing. His February TKO over Hugo Lezama showed promise but also raw edges.
Nevertheless, having Jon Jones as your mentor changes everything. Jones predicts Steveson will capture UFC gold within a year – ambitious talk, but this division is wide open. Expect the UFC to carefully select Steveson’s debut opponent, possibly bringing in someone from the regional scene to level the playing field.
Additionally, Netflix’s MMA venture with Most Valuable Promotions could shake things up further. If their Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano card succeeds, Francis Ngannou could anchor long-term heavyweight plans. The former UFC champion told ESPN he wants five more years of fighting, creating intriguing possibilities.
Tom Aspinall’s strained relationship with Dana White adds another wrinkle. His recent signing with Eddie Hearn suggests brewing tensions. If Netflix could somehow pry Aspinall away from the UFC for a Ngannou superfight, it would be the story of the year.