2023 was another interesting year for the MMA world and the UFC continued to dominate. This year saw the return of UFC superstar Jon Jones, the retirement of Amanda Nunes and more. The year had many exciting and entertaining matches for MMA fans and we expect the same for the next year. 2024 is going to be full of exciting matchups as well. In this article, we will tell you about those matchups that are going to be held next year and are a must-watch for every MMA fan.
10. Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 3
Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko had two exciting fights this year. First, they faced off at UFC 285 on March 4, 2023, where Alexa won via submission. The second match took place on September 16, 2023, which resulted in a draw. Due to this, a third matchup between them is guaranteed. Grasso is on a five fight win streak and is creating her own legacy, while Shevchenko still feels that her time at the top is not complete. It will definitely be an exciting sight when the two face off against each other in 2024.
9. Johnny Eblen vs. Derek Brunson
Johnny Eblen is one of the most incredible MMA fighters to never work in the UFC. He is the current Middleweight Champion in Bellator and has defeated everyone from Gegard Mousasi to Fabian Edwards. Eblen has an undefeated record in MMA and he is expected to face Derek Brunson next year. If we talk about Derek Brunson, his last fight was on November 24, 2023, where he defeated Ray Cooper III via unanimous decision.
8. Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis
2023 has been an amazing year for Sean Strickland, as he fought three bouts and won all of them. His best win came at UFC 293 when he shocked the world by defeating Israel Adesanya for the Middleweight Championship. There was a discussion about a rematch, but “Tarzan” will be defending his title against Darius Du Plessis now. The South African fighter is on a six-fight win streak in the UFC. Strickland and Du Plessis will now meet in the main event of UFC 297 in January, which will be an exciting fight.
7. Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan
Zhang Weili currently holds the UFC Strawweight championship. This is her second run as the Strawweight champion. She won the title on November 12, 2022, by defeating Carla Esparza via submission. “Magnum” has only defended her title once till now, which was against Amanda Lemos. Now she is expected to face Yan Xiaonan in 2024. Xiaonan currently ranks No. 2 in the strawweight rankings and is coming off two wins.
6. Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill
Alex Pereira is the latest Light Heavyweight Champion in the UFC. He won the title last month after defeating Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295 via knockout. With this, he also secured a future fight with Jamahal Hill. “Sweet Dreams” currently ranks No. 1 in the light heavyweight rankings. He is on a four-fight winning streak. Hill won the light heavyweight title in January this year by defeating Glover Teixeira, but suffered an injury. Now he will have a chance to win the title in 2024.
5. Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera II
Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera faced each other in 2020 at UFC 252. “Sugar” received his first ever MMA loss in that matchup by TKO. Three years later, the two will be against each other once again. O’Malley’s most recent fight was in August, where he defeated Aljamain Sterling and won the Bantamweight title. “Sugar” will not only face Marlon for his first title defense but also to avenge his only career loss.
4. Kayla Harrison vs. Cris Cyborg
Kayla Harrison is one of the greatest female fighters outside of the UFC. Her professional MMA record is 16-1, her only career loss came last year against Larissa Pacheco. Harrison bounced back from her loss with an emphatic win over Aspen Ladd last month. Now she will be facing Cris Cyborg in 2024. Cyborg also has an incredible MMA record of 27-2. The Brazilian is coming off a seven-fight winning streak. Watching these two ladies fight in the octagon next year will definitely be exciting.
3. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria
Alexander Volkanovski is set to face Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in February 2024. The Australian fighter is coming off a loss against Islam Makhachev in October, while “El Matador” is coming off an epic win over Josh Emmett in June 2023. Both fighters are two of the best pound-for-pound fighters around the world, so their fight will definitely be an interesting watch. “The Great” is the current Featherweight champion, while Topuria ranks 5 in the featherweight rankings.
2. Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
Initially, Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic were set to fight in November of this year. Unfortunately, the UFC Heavyweight Champion suffered an injury and eventually Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich fought for the interim title at UFC 295. Now the promotion has decided that “Bones” will fight Stipe Miocic for the Heavyweight title in 2024. This is going to be a huge fight and one of the greatest fights next year.
1. Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler
Conor McGregor has been on a very long break from the sport. The last time he ever stepped in the octagon was in 2021, when he faced Dustin Piorier and lost the fight via TKO. He suffered a serious leg injury and was out for three years. Although his return date has not been announced, “The Notorious” is linked to making his return at UFC 300 against Michael Chandler. This fight is the most-awaited fight of 2024 and will definitely make fans crazy once it gets official.
Also Read: 10 Best Light-Heavyweight Champions In The History Of UFC
