What to expect from the UFC in 2019

Modified Sep 19, 2019 07:31 GMT

Will we really see Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Cormier in 2019?

#5 Lightweight

Nobody is really sure when Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov will return

2018 was probably the biggest year for the 155lbs weight class in UFC history and yet the future for the division going into 2019 is an absolute mystery. That is of course due to the questionable status of both champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and former champ Conor McGregor, who are due to receive their punishment from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for their parts in the infamous brawl following their fight at UFC 229 in October.

An immediate rematch has been mooted, but so has a title match between Khabib and top contender Tony Ferguson – who’s on an 11-fight win streak – and a rematch between McGregor and high-flying Dustin Poirier, who went 2-0 in 2018. Until we know what’s going on with McGregor and Khabib though, everything is a mystery.

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Despite this though, a couple of fights at 155lbs have been booked for early 2019 – most notably a surprising fight between prospect Alexander Hernandez and veteran Donald Cerrone. That goes down on the UFC’s first ESPN+ card on 01/19, and if nothing else it practically guarantees excitement.

Elsewhere, contenders like Justin Gaethje, Anthony Pettis and Al Iaquinta are all left waiting for their first assignments of 2019. 155lbs remains probably the most stacked division in the UFC, but it’s also the hardest to predict going into the New Year.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by Vikshith R