The MMA world is buzzing with excitement as fans eagerly anticipate Dana White's next big signing for the UFC. With the promotion's reputation on the line, the pressure is on to bring in the best talent and shake up the Octagon. But here's where it gets controversial: not all top fighters call the UFC home.
In a recent fan discussion, Bloody Elbow readers weighed in on who they think Dana White should sign to strengthen the UFC roster. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the big names, but also about identifying promising prospects and established stars fighting under different banners.
So, who are the fans' picks for the UFC's next big stars?
The Heavyweight Debate:
Fans are calling for a heavyweight revolution in the UFC, with some suggesting that Gable Steveson, Vadim Nemkov, and Rico Verhoeven could be the key to fixing the current mess in the division. Steveson, a 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling, has caught the eye of many after his impressive MMA performances.
The Unbeaten Phenom:
The MMA community is in agreement that Dakota Ditcheva, an undefeated fighter, should be added to the UFC women's flyweight division. Her inclusion would undoubtedly bring more real competition and excitement to the female division.
Cousin of a Legend:
PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, cousin of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, has also been a popular choice among fans. They want to see him challenge Ilia Topuria, creating an intriguing family rivalry within the UFC.
Fan Favorites:
Here's a roundup of some of the other fan favorites:
- "Any good heavyweights and Dakota."
- "Gable Steveson!"
- "Definitely Dakota!"
- "They need heavyweights badly."
- "Usman Nurmagomedov and Nemkov."
- "Gable Steveson or Dillon Danis."
- "Usman to beat Topuria."
- "Dakota Ditcheva! Female division needs more competition."
- "Gable and Rico, but Rico already declined once."
With these four big names generating buzz, the question remains: who would you choose to see step into the UFC Octagon right now? And what impact could these signings have on the future of the sport?
The Bloody Elbow staff also shared their thoughts, with some interesting picks of their own. From Francis Ngannou to Corey Anderson, the staff's choices reflect the diverse range of talent available outside the Octagon.
So, who do you think Dana White should sign? Join the discussion and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Will these signings live up to the hype, or is there another fighter out there who could truly revolutionize the UFC?