Anticipated Top Five UFC Bouts in December
UFC Year-ender! Here's a breakdown of the five most electrifying fights to keep an eye on in December, as penned by Quintin van Jaarsveld.
Alexandre Pantoja v Kai Asakura - 8th December
The reigning flyweight champion, Pantoja, looks to defend his title yet again, taking on a formidable newcomer in Asakura. With six straight victories under his belt, a third consecutive defense would see Pantoja tie Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez for the most wins in flyweight history (13). Tokyo's Asakura, unbeaten in his UFC stint, aims to send shockwaves throughout the division and secure his first title in his very first UFC fight - a rare feat indeed!
Shavkat Rakhmonov v Ian Machado Garry - 8th December
Welterweight contenders collide in this five-round No. 1 contender fight. Rakhmonov, universally undefeated, initially was slated to face Belal Muhammad for the title itself but had to withdraw due to an unfortunate toe infection. Now, he faces Ian Machado Garry, who accepted the fight after originally being scheduled to headline UFC Tampa a week later. Both fighters are eager to prove their dominance on the UFC stage in this unmissable matchup.
Ciryl Gane v Alexander Volkov - 8th December
Two formidable heavyweights come face-to-face once more in a rematch that was originally scheduled for October but was postponed due to injury. Former interim champion Gane seeks to affirm his dominance after besting Volkov earlier in 2021. Volkov, on the other hand, seeks vengeance and a chance at the title with a win. Both fighters have been unstoppable, so expect fireworks when these two powerhouses square off!
Colby Covington v Joaquin Buckley - 15th December
In a thrilling clash, former interim champion Covington squares off with Buckley, who's been making waves with his five-win streak since moving to the welterweight division. A dynamic striker, Buckley aims to round off an incredible 2024 with another win. Covington, known for his trash-talking and high-level wrestling, is not one to back down from a challenge and will undoubtedly seek to derail Buckley's momentum.
Mackenzie Dern v Amanda Ribas - 15th December
Two contrasting grappling specialists meet again in what might be a preview of a future title fight. Dern, a multi-time jiu-jitsu world champion, seeks to avenge her 2019 loss to Ribas, which ended her undefeated streak. Ribas, known for her striking prowess, looks to build on her win over Dern and cement her position as a top contender in the strawweight division.
Stay tuned for updates on these exciting matchups as December approaches, and don't forget to catch the action live!
Fun Fact: Did you know that Quintin van Jaarsveld was named MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year three times? He has over 15 years of experience in sports journalism and currently works as a freelance sports writer.
- In the realm of rugby sports, Alexandre Pantoja, the reigning flyweight champion, is set to defend his title against Kai Asakura on the 8th of December, aiming for a third consecutive defense that will tie him with Demetrius Johnson and Joseph Benavidez for the most wins in flyweight history.
- The 8th of December promises a ton of excitement in the welterweight division with Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry going head-to-head in a five-round welterweight contender fight, both eager to staking their dominance on the UFC stage.
- A rematch between two formidable heavyweights, Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov, is scheduled for the 8th of December, with Gane seeking to affirm his dominance after besting Volkov earlier in 2021 and Volkov vying for vengeance and a chance at the title.
- On the 15th of December, Colby Covington, former interim champion, faces Joaquin Buckley, a dynamic striker who's been making waves with his five-win streak since moving to the welterweight division, offering an intriguing clash for rugby fans and sports enthusiasts alike.
