5 blockbuster fights to book in the UFC heavyweight division

Jon Jones (left) and Stipe Miocic (right) [Image via @MMAFighting on Twitter]

The UFC heavyweight division was quite stagnant during the iconic trilogy between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier between 2018 and 2020. Since Francis Ngannou dethroned Miocic in 2021, the division has seemingly sprung back into life.

However, Ngannou's ongoing contract disputes and injury woes have forced him to remain on the sidelines. Following a successful title defense against Ciryl Gane in January 2022, 'The Predator' revealed that he was facing issues with his knee and required surgery to treat the same. He will reportedly be out of action for nine months.

Heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou is set to undergo surgery next week. (via @BOkamotoESPN) https://t.co/ELxHINAshn

When Ngannou finally returns to the octagon, the landscape in the division will likely have changed quite drastically. Heavyweights Tom Aspinall and Alexander Volkov squared off in the main event of UFC London in March 2022. A week later, top contenders Curtis Blaydes and Chris Daukaus locked horns at UFC Columbus.

With new contenders on the rise and the ominous presence that hangs over the division in Jon Jones, we're in for some highly intriguing matchups down the line. On that note, we thought we'd take a look at five blockbuster fights to put together in the heavyweight division.

#5. Alexander Volkov vs. Chris Daukaus

Chris Daukaus got off to a scintillating start in the UFC, going 4-0 and finishing all of his opponents along the way. Subsequently, the matchmakers handed Daukaus a rare opportunity to make a huge jump in the rankings when he was booked to fight top-ranked heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis in December 2021.

Unfortunately for Daukaus, he was viciously knocked out by 'The Black Beast'. In his next outing, he suffered yet another devastating TKO, this time at the hands of Curtis Blaydes. The Philadelphia native will be desperate to get back to winning ways when he returns to the octagon.

Derrick Lewis is clever. He noticed Daukaus was moving & far away. Very hard to land on. He tries a kick that looks like a joke, but isn't: the jumping roundhouse. It pushes Daukaus to fenceline, which makes him tall and hittable.

Lewis tried inside trip later to do same thing. https://t.co/N9zQwBz5au

Upon his return, Daukaus should ideally be matched up with Alexander Volkov. Volkov, a former Bellator champion, is a tricky test for any heavyweight. The rangy Russian almost always has a height and reach advantage over his opponents.

While fights against the likes of Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes may have come too early in Daukaus' career, a bout against Volkov will be a real litmus test of his potential. Also, the UFC often pairs fighters coming off similar results. Volkov is coming off a first-round submission loss to English star Tom Aspinall and will also be itching to return to the win column.

TOM ASPINALL WITH THE BIGGEST WIN OF HIS CAREER! 🔥 #UFCLondon https://t.co/MeXBniHupA

A fight between Chris Daukaus and Alexander Volkov will be a high stakes affair. Another loss for either fighter will likely end all hopes of a championship opportunity in the near future.