5 potential opponents for Tai Tuivasa after UFC 271 victory

#2. Tai Tuivasa vs. Ciryl Gane

Gane is ranked no. 1 with a record of 10-1

There is certainly an argument that Tai Tuivasa is now in a better position in the heavyweight division than Ciryl Gane. For starters, Tuivasa is on a four-fight win streak whilst Gane is coming off a loss. Additionally, both fighters' most recent wins came over Derrick Lewis and 'Bam Bam' picked up a quicker time.

Furthermore, with Gane's recent loss to champion Francis Ngannou, he will likely have to re-build himself somewhat to generate interest in a potential rematch. With that being said, Gane remains the No. 1 ranked fighter in the division and is clearly the biggest prize out there outside of a bout for the title.

While Gane is unlikely for an interim title bout, he could be booked if neither Jones nor Miocic come to terms. While Gane is probably an outsider for an interim title bout, you could theoretically book this bout in that spot should neither Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic come to terms.

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#1. Tai Tuivasa vs. Stipe Miocic

Miocic is ranked no. 2 with a record of 20-4

You can't argue that the biggest possible matchup for Tai Tuivasa would be a crack at UFC gold. If he is to secure that privilege, it seems most likely that he would find himself up against arguably the greatest heavyweight of all time in Stipe Miocic.

As we've said, Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones appear to be in pole position for this fight. However, given Jones has had issues with the UFC, as well as outside of the octagon, and his status with the promotion seems to be a little up in the air at the moment, he seems the more likely of the two to end up not being involved.

This would create a monster interim title fight for the pair and give Tuivasa the chance to become an absolute mega-star. A win for him in that one would set up a title unification bout with Francis Ngannou, which would be a shocking development in the UFC.