It's Monday afternoon and another incredible weekend within the MMA world has come to a close. We've seen fights made, careers concluded, titles retained and undefeated records ended. There's been plenty to talk about in just the last three days, but, as always, there are a number of major talking points that stand tall above the rest.
Here are the biggest talking points from the MMA world over the weekend.
Dana White Interested in Meeting with Michael Chandler
Over the weekend, UFC president Dana White admitted he's interested in meeting with former Bellator champion Michael Chandler, claiming he believes Chandler deserves the chance to fight in the UFC.
Chandler's deal with Bellator recently came to an end after his excellent first-round stoppage over Benson Henderson and the 34-year-old has made no secret of his desire to fight in the UFC. Here's to hoping the two parties come to some sort of agreement and we finally get to see American fight in the octagon.
Daniel Cormier's Career Ends in Disappointment
The weekend saw one of the all-time greats, Daniel Cormier bow out on the greatest stage. In the final fight of his MMA career, DC fought rival Stipe Miocic for the UFC heavyweight title in what proved to be the conclusion of their trilogy, but a happy ending wasn't on the cards for the AKA star.
DC lost the fight by decision after five gruelling rounds, but the loss wasn't without controversy after an eye poke from the champ caused Cormier to lose sight in his left eye. It's a disappointing end to what has been one hell of a career for one of the best to ever step into the octagon.
DC's age visibly showed anything into the final rounds, so it's the right time to bring his career to a close, but we'll for sure miss seeing the former double-champ in action. At least a career behind the commentary desk will keep Cormier on our screens. Thanks for everything, champ.
Francis Ngannou is Next for Stipe Miocic
Following Stipe Miocic's victory over Daniel Cormier, many began to speculate who was next for the UFC heavyweight champion. There were rumours light heavyweight champion Jon Jones would move to heavyweight for a shot at the title, but UFC president Dana White quickly squashed those rumours and revealed former title challenger Francis Ngannou was next for Miocic.
Ngannou, who unsuccessfully challenged Miocic for the belt back in January 2018, is currently on a four-fight win streak and is tearing through the heavyweight contenders. The champ is likely all too aware of the beast heading his way.
Sean O'Malley Handed his First Loss Following Leg Injury
Just two weeks after Edmen Shahbazyan was handed his first-ever loss, another undefeated fighter was defeated for the first time ever when Suga Sean O'Malley was stopped in the first round by Marlon Vera.
Despite being the overwhelming favourite, Suga Sean was dealt a serious blow when Chito's leg kicks severely injured his leg. O'Malley struggled to remain standing following the injury and eventually collapsed to the ground before Vera finished him with ground and pound.
O'Malley still has an incredibly bright future within the UFC, but while we wait to hear more about the severity of his leg injury, the timetable of his return to the octagon is unclear.
Stipe Miocic Cements Legacy as Heavyweight GOAT
Heading into Stipe Miocic's trilogy fight with Daniel Cormier, the general consensus was whoever won the fight would be crowned the greatest heavyweight in the UFC's history. It was Stipe who had his hand raised when all was said and done and Miocic has now cemented his position as the GOAT.
Miocic has beat just about everyone put in front of him and his record speaks for itself. With wins over the likes of Junior Dos Santos, Fabricio Werdum, Daniel Cormier and Alistair Overeem, you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone with a more impressive resume.
Miocic is a fantastic representative for the UFC's heavyweight division and will likely continue to reign supreme for the foreseeable future. Long live the king.
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