5 UFC heavyweights who could challenge for the title in 2022

#2. Stipe Miocic - No.2 ranked UFC heavyweight

Stipe Miocic holds a record of 20-4

Stipe Miocic is considered by many to be the greatest UFC heavyweight in history. Given that status, he will never be too far away from a title shot and could conceivably fight for the belt in his return to the octagon.

While Miocic lost his last bout to Francis Ngannou, that fight took the series to 1-1 so a trilogy bout could be an appealing option. He could also easily take another fight first to secure his spot as the next man up for the belt.

Miocic is approaching a year out from competition and his return to action will be highly anticipated. His chances of fighting for the belt are better than most as he has several paths back to a title fight in 2022.

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#1. Jon Jones - Former UFC light heavyweight champion

Jon Jones holds a record of 26-1 (1NC)

Jon Jones has never had a single fight at heavyweight. Despite that, he may very well be the favorite to take on Francis Ngannou following his win on Saturday. The greatest light heavyweight of all time has been teasing a move to heavyweight for years and it finally seems like we may see it happen in 2022.

Jones has not fought since February 2020 but appears to have spent that time bulking up for a run at heavyweight. He is one of the top fighters in history and so there will be plenty of demand to see him challenge for the belt when he does return.

A fight between Jones and Ngannou would produce one of the biggest events of the year. Here's hoping his return to action does finally materialize in 2022 and we get to see him fight for the UFC heavyweight belt.