5 questions that could be answered at UFC 271

#4. Will UFC president Dana White announce plans for the heavyweight championship?

Following UFC 270, Dana White has yet to announce what his plans are for the heavyweight division going forward. Regardless of whether reigning champion Francis Ngannou re-signs or not, he’s still expected to be out of action. He revealed that he’ll require surgery to repair his MCL and ACL, so he could be out for up to a year.

Due to the champion’s expected inactivity, the promotion will need to create an interim championship for the time being. Former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones vs. former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic would make perfect sense.

Jones' heavyweight debut should be against somebody of Miocic’s caliber. The bout would generate plenty of interest and allow the promotion to keep the division going in ‘The Predator’s' absence. With Jones planting the seeds on social media, perhaps White will make those plans official at this Saturday’s event.

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#3. Could Tai Tuivasa become the next top heavyweight contender?

Tai Tuivasa has become one of the most popular heavyweights in the UFC. He has connected with fans to the point that his shoey celebration has taken off. The shoey celebration has drawn comparisons to WWE Hall of Famer ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.

‘Bam Bam’ has also ascended the heavyweight ranks and will be in for the toughest test of his career on Saturday. He will be fighting the No.3-ranked heavyweight Derrick Lewis, who is coming off a knockout win over Chris Daukaus. ‘The Black Beast’ was able to rebound from his setback last summer, when he lost to Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.

Tuivasa has an excellent opportunity to put himself in the title mix and become a top heavyweight contender. A win over Lewis would make it five-straight and likely see him climb from eleventh in the rankings to the top-5.