When the stars align perfectly for a barn burner, UFC rarely misses a chance to cash in. The company has consistently provided thrilling matchups for its fans over the years.
So far in 2021, the promotion has staged various dream battles, from Conor McGregor‘s rematch with Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 to Israel Adesanya‘s transition to light heavyweight at UFC 259.
With seven months left in 2021, several action-packed super-fights can be expected this year.
Let’s look at three such matchups that are sure-shot blockbuster events:
3) Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor
No matter if he wins or loses at UFC 264 against Poirier, McGregor will remain one of the most popular fighters in the world.
There will never be a shortage of mega-fight opportunities for the fifth-ranked lightweight. His most lucrative competitor in 2021 will likely be arch-rival Nate Diaz, who will face Leon Edwards at UFC 263.
The two combatants recently reignited their feud by exchanging barbs on social media.
Despite losing his most recent battle, the Stockton native still has star power.
A McGregor vs. Diaz rematch will definitely be one of the best fights in UFC history.
2) Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz
The defeat of Diaz to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 was perhaps the most ironic ending to a UFC fight ever. Due to a laceration on Diaz’s cheek, the doctor on board declared him unfit to continue the BMF (Baddest Motherfu**er) championship matchup.
The decision was met with a chorus of boos at Madison Square Garden. However, Masvidal assured his fans that a rematch will take place soon.
However, ‘Gamebred’ never got the chance to run it back with Diaz because he was preoccupied with consecutive title fights against Kamaru Usman.
Masvidal’s recent loss to Usman seems to have opened the door for a rematch with Diaz in 2021. In an interview with ESPN, the Miami native confirmed that he is ready to fight again this year.
UFC will almost definitely hold a Diaz vs. Masvidal 2 match after Diaz’s fight with Edwards concludes.
1) Stephen Thompson vs. Jorge Masvidal
Stephen Thompson has won three straight matches in his attempt to reclaim the crown. On the undercard of Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier 3, the California native will face Gilbert Burns. If he wins, Thompson will almost certainly face Usman.
However, Thompson has a more financially profitable choice for him in the 170lb category. Thompson could face Masvidal for the second time in the fall of 2021.
Masvidal was vastly outstruck by Thompson in their last meeting at UFC 217, which took place over three rounds. Masvidal made a comeback in the welterweight division in 2019 and has confirmed publicly that he wants to face ‘Wonderboy’ again.
Read more: Top 5: Fights to look forward to in the upcoming UFC Vegas 27