5 Takeaways from UFC 254

Khabib Retired

So we all know what happened after Khabib’s win against Justin, The GOAT has retired and it came to a shocker to many after he said he wanted to go 30-0 then retire but after the death of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov he expressed that he does not want to continue without his father. In my opinion, this is a good retirement, Khabib owes us no more, his career will be cemented in the history books of Combat Sports.

No More Tony and Khabib

This was the Magnum Opus, The Boss battle of MMA, Rocky vs. Drago (without the death)Liu Kang vs. Shang Tsung. Okay you get the idea, this bout was the one we always wanted but the one that got away. Khabib vs. Ferguson was scheduled a staggering 5 times and it was postponed an equal amount of times due to everything from hospital stays to torn ligaments due to loose cable wires to Justin Gaethje demolishing Tony unification bout for the UFC Lightweight title. With Khabib now retired it is certain we will never see these two face off in the cage. (Unless they fight in an empty gym like Rocky 3)

Bobby Knuckles Finds His Stride Again

Robert Whittaker is back on the top of Middleweight contention. After 2 impressive wins over Darren Till and most recently Jared Cannonier, Many are clamoring for a 2nd bout between the man who took his title, Israel Adesanya, but the question is, the matchup is the same but will the outcome be different?

Lightweight Championship Open for the Taking

Now the juicy part of Khabib’s retirement, The lightweight crown is open for the taking and many have already made matchups on who will take it with Khabib saying Poirier and Connor McGregor could fight for the recently vacated title but they’re the only fighters looking for a title shot now that Khabib is gone. Tony Ferguson, Justin Gaethje, and even Michael Chandler with Chandler asking for a tournament (a la Bellator) to decide the new Lightweight Champion the potential matchups make the UFC fanbase water with possibilities.

DWCS is a Hot Spot for New Talent

Dana White Contender Series is the TRUTH ladies and gentlemen. It’s shown to be a nice hot spot of rising talent, With names like Sean O’Malley, Dan Ige, Alonzo Menifield, Greg Hardy the list goes on for miles and will only continue to grow with new blood like Phillip Hawes showing his scary power and aggression. Not only does this give us new hot talent but it also gives a shows that DWCS is great for rising talent looking to showcase their skills to the world.

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