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?

#7 Bantamweight

TJ Dillashaw's upcoming fight with Henry Cejudo has blurred the title picture at Bantamweight

The title picture at 135lbs is blurry right now for a simple reason; reigning champion TJ Dillashaw is set to drop to 125lbs to challenge Henry Cejudo for the Flyweight title on ESPN+ on 01/19. It should be a great fight, but given the rumours of the death of the 125lbs division, quite why Dillashaw is moving down rather than Cejudo moving up is anyone’s guess. It simply doesn’t make sense in my opinion.

The UFC has booked a potential #1 contender’s match at 135lbs though, as Raphael Assuncao and Marlon Moraes face off in the headliner of the ESPN+ card on 02/02. The pair fought back in 2017 with Assuncao winning a questionable decision, but since then Moraes has defeated John Dodson, Aljamain Sterling and Jimmie Rivera. Realistically, he should already have a title shot were it not for the Cejudo/Dillashaw fight.

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Outside of that, 02/17 sees Sterling and Rivera face off on ESPN in what should be a key fight in the division. Both men are ranked in the top ten of the division and a win for either would propel them forward deep into the title picture. #6 ranked John Lineker was also supposed to fight Dominick Cruz in what would’ve been a huge fight on 01/19, but with Cruz injured, he’s now set to face prospect Cory Sandhagen instead in a match which likely won’t impact a lot.

The likes of Dodson, Pedro Munhoz and Rob Font are awaiting their next fights, while the whole division could also be shaken up by the arrival of former 125lbers like Joseph Benavidez, Deiveson Figueiredo and Said Nurmagomedov.

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