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Analysis: UFC title fights in 2024 – Who will be the next champion?
UFC title fights in 2024. Photo via Instagram
Starting September 7, we have a bunch of high caliber UFC title fights to look forward to in 2024.
Two of the promotion’s biggest stars right now – Sean O’Malley and Alex Pereira – will defend their belts in highly anticipated fights. We will also see undefeated phenom Ilia Topuria take on former dominant champ Max Hoolloway in a crazy matchup.
Will we see any new UFC champions in 2024?* Let’s take a look at Tobias Lindkvist’s analysis!
* Note that the UFC 309 card in November and UFC 310 card in December were yet to have headline fights when this article was written.
Sean O’Malley (c) vs. Merab Dvalishvili
Sean O’Malley. Photo via Twitter (UFC)
- Prediction: Sean O’Malley via KO
- When: UFC 306 on September 14
The bantamweight bout between champion Sean O’Malley and challenger Merab Dvalishvili is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup.
This fight will come down to who can adapt their game; ”Sugar’s” distance and striking against Dvalishvili’s pressure and wrestling.
O’Malley is phenomenal at fighting on his backfoot and has the best timing in the UFC, so the challenger must be very aware when he’s closing the distance. I mean, just look at what ”Sugar” did to Aljamain Sterling.
Alexa Grasso (c) vs. Valentina Shevchenko
Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko. Photo via YouTube
- Prediction: Alexa Grasso via unanimous decision
- When: UFC 306 on September 14
The third fight between flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and her rival Valentina Shevchenko will go down in the co-main event at the Sphere.
I’m not a big fan of UFC’s love for rematches and trilogies, but since Grasso got the win via a debated decision in their last bout, this fight actually makes sense.
In the first fight, Grasso had a great game plan and capitalized on Shevchenko’s mistake. In the second fight it was more obvious how evenly matched the two flyweights are.
I have a feeling that the third and final fight will be just as tight as the last one. This is hard to predict, but my money will be on Grasso. I think it’s her time right now!
Alex Pereira (c) vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
Alex Pereira. Photo via YouTube
- Prediction: Alex Pereria via KO
- When: UFC 307, October 5
Many fans and experts were surprised and disappointed when the promotion announced that light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will face divisional dark horse Khalil Rountree Jr next.
Personally, I’m stoked about the fight!
Rountree Jr has worked his way up in the shadows and has five straight wins, four via TKO. Even though he hasn’t faced any of the top names in the division, or perhaps because of that, I find it a very interesting matchup. I do believe Pereria will get it done in his usual fashion though.
Raquel Pennington (c) vs. Julianna Pena
UFC title fights in 2024. Photo via YouTube
- Prediction: Raquel Pennington via unanimous decision
- When: UFC 307, October 5
Women’s bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington is set to defend her belt for the first time as she takes on former title holder Julianna Pena on October 5.
I honestly don’t see Pena as a particular good fighter. She’s tough and has heart, but technically her game is full of flaws. Pennington might not be a very entertaining fighter but she’s good at closing down fights and work from the clinch. If Pena can overwhelm her opponent in the first rounds she might get it done, but the longer the fight gets, Pennington is more likely to win.
Ilia Topuria (c) vs. Max Holloway
Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway will clash in on of the most anticipated UFC title fights in 2024. Photo via YouTube
- Prediction: Max Holloway via unanimous decision
- When: UFC 308 on October 26
The hardest fight to predict in my book. Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is undefeated and looked absolutely awesome in his rise to the championship. So technically sound, so perfect in his boxing, so well-rounded and dangerous.
Former champion Max Holloway, on the other hand, has looked phenomenal in every fight since maybe the third fight against Alexander Volkanovski. In his last outing he was formidable as he completely beat Justin Gaethje before knocking him out in the final seconds.
If Holloway can find his distance and keep Topuria on the outside it will be a long night for the champion. If Topuria gets inside, he might very well be the first to knock out Holloway.