After putting us through one of the most ridiculous lead-ups to a major card, UFC 232 ended up being a pretty memorable event.
It was a week filled with accusations, arguments, and abrupt venue changes, but in the end, Jonny 'Bones' Jones came back to reclaim his light-heavyweight throne (again) with a win over Alexander Gustaffson,
Somewhat thankfully, we're all moving forward into a new year, and its a time to look forward. After his triumph in Inglewood, Jones' next fight is going to be the hot topic of discussion for UFC fans everywhere. Here, we'll look at some of the old-new champions' possible opponents, starting with a familiar foe:
Jon Jones
Your eye-rolls and sighs are duly noted, but let's be honest here. Jon Jones' biggest enemy has always been himself, and it will be no different in 2019. He gets knocked down, then he gets up again, but there's always something else keeping him down (apologies to Chumbawamba).
After Jones beat Cormier the second time, this writer felt joy and hope that the worst was over. Jones was back, triumphant, magnanimous, and calling out superfights on national TV shows. There was a feeling that we had finally turned the corner.
Well, we all know how long that lasted. Please, no more. No more drug nonsense, no more car crash controversies, no more questions. Just be that gifted, ethereal fighter that astounds us every time you enter the Octagon. Don't go pissing the night away (alright, I'll stop).
Daniel Cormier (at heavyweight)
We all expect DC to have two fights left before he hangs up his gloves, and the trilogy has to be one of them. While Jones has won both fights against Cormier, there's enough 'asterisks' surrounding the rivalry to justify a third one. These two legends still hate each other, and the build-up won't have lost any venom
DC is a different animal at heavyweight, and it will be fascinating to see how Jones deals with his rival in different circumstances. The champ-champ is stronger, faster and more technically gifted than anyone else in that weight class so far. Could Jones be the first man to break Cormier at the heavyweight?
The rewards are worth the risk. If he becomes champ-champ, is there a better way to sew up the GOAT argument? Beating DC--by no means a given--would also open the gates for potentially gigantic superfights.
Brock Lesnar
This fight seemed inevitable after Jones-DC 2, and Cormier aside, it's hard to think of a better opponent for Brock. If DC sticks to his April retirement, Jones would be ideal. The size difference and the varying skillsets would be mouth-watering fodder for hardcores and casuals alike.
Add in the duo's heel qualities and brushes with PED controversies and you've got a wildly entertaining build up. Also, it's goddamn Brock Lesnar. Imagine if Jones beats DC at heavyweight and then Brock.
Of course, Lesnar is still contracted by the WWE, so this may not happen immediately. But then, Jones has a lot of time. Remember, by the way, that Jones is only 31.
Stipe Miocic/Cain Velasquez/ Nearly Any Damn Heavyweight Contender
Let's be honest: there isn't really an immediate contender that jumps out at you from the 205lb division. Anthony Smith, Dominick Reyes and the rest are interesting, but it's tough to put them anywhere near Jones' level.
At heavyweight, the story changes. The physical gap between Bones and the big guns at heavyweight could make all the difference. Right now, Jones is arguably the closest we've seen to a complete fighter. But his numerous advantages could be narrowed or widened at a different weight class.
We've seen many fighters who moved up a weight class, and we've seen their fortunes go either way. But that's the thing--at least there'd be an unknown element if Jones moves up. Right now, there's no one at 205lbs who could seriously challenge the champ.
You've also got great storylines. After his loss to Cormier, Stipe looks for redemption by beating the man who beat DC. Or maybe Cain Velasquez avenging DC by beating his mortal enemy. Marketing heaven.
After running through nearly everyone at 205lb, maybe this is the turning point. There's simply no one else left, unless Luke Rockhold or Israel Adesanya wants to move up a weight class.
At this point for Jones, it really looks like the only way left is up.