Although the biggest UFC stars reside in other divisions, it’s the heavyweight champion who carries the title of “The baddest man on the planet.” The heavyweight division will always be the most intriguing weight class, for one simple reason - they’re the biggest, most powerful fighters in the world. And there are a few very important matchups for the big men in the coming months.
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THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
UFC 198, May 14
Fabricio Werdum -185
Stipe Miocic +160
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -160, under +140
We’re all still waiting to see Werdum defend his title for the first time, so let’s keep our fingers crossed in hopes he gets to UFC 198 healthy. Because his opponent, Stipe Miocic, has never looked better. Miocic is one of the most well-rounded fighters that Werdum has faced, in terms of athletic tools and all-around skillset.
But Werdum’s career renaissance, at age 38, has been nothing short of remarkable. In fact, it’s still hard to believe that he’s the champ after we spent so much time convincing ourselves that Cain Velasquez was the greatest heavyweight we’d ever seen. Will Werdum kick off a lengthy title reign against Miocic?
BIG STAKES FOR BIG BEN
UFC Fight Night 86, April 10
Ben Rothwell -130
Junior dos Santos +100
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -140, under +120
The more the UFC tries to sweep the burly Ben Rothwell under the rug, the more he steals the spotlight. With his stunning submission victory over Josh Barnett, it’s now impossible to deny that Rothwell is a legitimate contender. So now, for the first time ever, he’ll headline a UFC card against former champion Junior dos Santos.
If Rothwell can get past the Brazilian, it’d be a travesty for the promotion not to give him a run at the winner of Werdum-Miocic. Yes, he’s awkward as hell and has major dad bod, but that kind of gives him an endearing, everyman appeal. And marketability doesn’t always have to justify a fight booking anyway.
OVEREEM NEXT IN LINE?
UFC Fight Night Rotterdam, May 8
Odds coming soon!
Unlike Rothwell, Overeem looks the part of heavyweight contender. He’s got comic book muscles and devastating, textbook Muay Thai. He’s put together a nice three-fight win streak, and he’s coming off his most significant octagon victory yet - a knockout win over Junior dos Santos.
If Rothwell loses and Overeem wins, than I’d assume the Dutchman gets the next crack at the title. Take a look at the top 10 and nobody else has more than two straight wins. It’s an ugly picture right now. Cain Velasquez still has the credibility, but he must prove that he can stay healthy as he’s pulled out of multiple fights.
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