2020 could be a big, big year for the UFC - possibly the biggest in history. Conor McGregor's back in the mix and Jon Jones is teasing a super fight with heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic.
And super fight is the buzz phrase heading this year with huge match-ups across a few divisions potentially on the cards. We're talking about champion vs champion clashes and blockbuster rematches.
So, to make Dana White's job a litter easier, SPORTbible has put together a list of super fights the UFC could realistically make this year which would ensure the company has a record breaking year, featuring the likes of McGregor, Jones as well as Israel Adesanya, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Jorge Masvidal.
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4. Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa - (middleweight)
Adesanya vs. Costa could genuinely be the biggest middleweight bout since Anderson Silva's glory days.
'The Last Stylebender' shot to fame in 2019 after beating 'The Spider', Kelvin Gastelum in a barnburner and Robert Whittaker. He's one of the biggest names in the sport but he needs a rival dance partner to elevate himself to greater heights and Paulo Costa is just the man.
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The Brazilian, who's built like a brick-sh*thouse, is undefeated in MMA and has ran through five opponents in the UFC. He's as scary as he looks and there's genuine beef between them which only spices up an inevitable meeting.
It's a fascinating match-up, too, with Adesanya's laser-like kickboxing attack and Costa's ruthless Muay-Thai game. These two fighters meeting in the Octagon would be an incredible striking display.
Chance of happening: Costa was scheduled to face Adesanya in March until injury forced him out. He has been "promised" a shot at the winner of Adesanya vs. Yoel Romero. If stars align, Adesanya vs. Costa could happen in the Summer.
Prediction: Adesanya to utilise his superior reach and pick off Costa at range before earning a stoppage victory.
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3. Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal - (welterweight)
The altercation between Usman and Masvidal at Super Bowl radio row only stoked their rivalry, making a clash an unmissable event.
Street Jesus is enjoying the most prolific run of his career and Usman has proved his worth as champion following his victories Tyron Woodley and Colby Covington.
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The explosive exchange drew a lot of attention. Some good and some bad. But you know what they say, any press is good press. Their bust-up created buzz for the fight which is a few months away as the promotional seed has been planted.
We're looking at one of the biggest welterweight title fights in recent UFC history.
Chances of happening: Usman vs. Masvidal is tentatively planned for UFC's International Fight Week in July (UFC 252).
Prediction: Masvidal by baptism.
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2. Stipe Miocic vs. Jon Jones - (heavyweight)
A champion vs. champion encounter between Miocic and Jones would be epic. If 'Bones' can see off his UFC 247 opponent Dominick Reyes, the inevitable question of 'what's next' will be asked. Well, it could be his heavyweight debut after he teased a fight with Miocic.
It feels like the right time to make the jump; contenders are drying up at 205lbs, the heavyweight division is hotting up nicely and we want to see Jones in a fresh challenge.
He's already the most dominant light-heavyweight champion in UFC history and by moving up he has the chance to solidify his claim as the GOAT.
And Miocic provides the perfect foil. He's the most successful heavyweight champion in UFC history and brings a varied attack to the table which could pose Jones some serious problems. A match-up for the ages.
Chances of happening: Jones hinted he could move up in weight next. We could be looking at another huge Summer fight despite Miocic vs. Cormier III supposedly in the works.
Prediction: UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has a nice ring to it, and we believe he gets the job done if they get matched together.
1. Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor II - (lightweight)
It's been compared to 'The Rumble in the Jungle', and Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor II could very well reach those levels of hype following The Notorious' spectacular UFC comeback.
He reintroduced himself to the MMA world with a 40 second victory over Donald Cerrone and he's now in line to rematch Nurmagomedov. Should he beat Tony Ferguson, of course.
While their UFC 229 clash wouldn't necessarily warrant a rematch, their profiles skyrocketed to a whole new level of stardom. Nurmagomedov is one of the hottest things in combat sports and McGregor is still a massive draw.
The UFC 229 post-fight brawl also proves they've unfinished business. There's still bad blood to settle between the two fighters. A rematch wouldn't only be the biggest fight in UFC history but one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
Chances of happening: If Nurmagomedov comes out victorious at UFC 249, expect White to book the rematch in late 2020.
Prediction: Repeat or revenge? We're opting for repeat. Even though McGregor looked incredible in his return fight, Nurmagomedov has too much for him in the grappling department and is only improving.
Which UFC super fight do you want to see this year?
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