Wow, what a weekend we've just had. We've seen new kings crowned, all-time greats further their legacy and that was just in the two UFC title fights. In what felt like one of the biggest MMA weekends in quite some time, Israel Adesanya's push to become the middleweight GOAT continued, but there was plenty more to talk about heading into Monday morning.
Here are the biggest talking points coming out of the MMA world this weekend.
Khamzat Chimaev Set for Five Round Fight vs Ranked Opponent
Having annihilated his biggest challenge to date in Gerald Meerschaert with a 17-second knockout, Khamzat Chimaev is set to take another step towards the top of the UFC mountain. In a press conference before UFC 253, UFC president Dana White confirmed reports that Chimaev would headline a UFC event towards the end of the year, in a five round fight vs a ranked opponent.
While it's unclear who his opponent will be just yet, rumours have linked Stephen Thompson and Leon Edwards to the bout, but one thing is for sure, whoever it is will have a hell of a test on their hands against a man who is seemingly destined for gold.
Conor McGregor Leaks Texts with Dana White
Is it really a newsworthy weekend in the MMA world if Conor McGregor hasn't found a way to put himself at the forefront? The Notorious One took to Twitter this weekend and leaked text messages from a conversation he'd had with UFC president Dana White earlier this year, revealing he was eager to fight Justin Gaethje, but refused to wait until July for the bout.
The texts also revealed Conor was interested in fighting Diego Sanchez, a bout Dana straight up shot down and for good reason. At 38 years old, Sanchez is a shell of his former self and a fight with McGregor wouldn't be wise for the TUF 1 fighter's health or career. A win against Sanchez would also do absolutely nothing for the Irishman's career.
The Light Heavyweight Division Gains a New King
With Jon Jones vacating his light heavyweight title and moving up to the UFC's heavyweight division last month, the 205lb division was set to crown a champion not named Jon Jones or Daniel Cormier for the first time in almost a decade and boy did Jan Blachowicz stake his claim.
Despite being the underdog, the Polish fighter brutally TKO's Dominick Reyes in the second round to grab the gold and I for one couldn't be happier for him. Blachowicz was seemingly on the verge of being cut from the UFC after losing four of his first six fights in the octagon, but has since won eight of his last nine and truly deserves his place at the top.
Dana White Hints at Possible Colby Covington vs Jorge Masvidal Fight
Following his victory over Tyron Woodley last weekend, Colby Covington called out Jorge Masvidal and it seems UFC president Dana White is down for that one.
In a press conference before UFC 253, Dana was asked about the likelihood of a fight between Covington and Masvidal being in the works and he seemingly confirmed the rumours, saying it was 'very possible' we'd see the fight next. This leaves a rematch between Gamebred and Nate Diaz up in the air, but after dominating the Stockton native, a fight with Covington makes more sense for Masvidal as he gears towards another title shot.
Israel Adesanya Furthers Legacy as Middleweight Great
In one of the most highly anticipated UFC fights in quite some time, two undefeated phenoms in Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa faced off for the Last Stylebender's middleweight title and it was the New Zealand man who emerged victorious.
Adesanya dominated from start to finish, destroying Costa's leg with some brutal kicks. The Brazillian never really got going and looked unrecognisable from the man who had been running riot over his opponents throughout his career. I have no doubt we'll see the two face off again in the future, but this moment belonged to Izzy and he's continuing to further a legacy seemingly destined to overthrow Anderson Silva as the greatest middleweight in UFC history.
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