UFC Fighters Update: Career Plans and Controversies
Recent updates from the UFC spotlight fighters who are shaping the future of mixed martial arts. From Dan Hooker's dismissal of Ilia Topuria as Islam Makhachev's next challenger to Robert Whittaker's interest in facing Sean Strickland, it's been buzzing around the octagon lately. Meanwhile, Henry Cejudo's discontent with MMA officiated handling of eye-pokes fuels debates. On another front, former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski discusses life and career as he trends toward retirement.
Dan Hooker recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of Ilia Topuria being the next fighter to challenge current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Speaking with Sky Sports NZ, Hooker asserted, "It's almost a lose-lose situation for Islam Makhachev if he beats Ilia Topuria. Cause if you beat him, you don't get any real pats on the back or accolades for it. If you lose to him, then you got knocked out by a featherweight. It would then tarnish and destroy your legacy...Champions always have to continue to go up [divisions]. That's what I believe Makhachev will do." Hooker's remarks highlight the challenges Makhachev faces if he fights Topuria, who has recently vacated his title.
Robert Whittaker, the former middleweight champion, is also making headlines. On his podcast, On Paper, he elaborated on his eagerness to return to the cage. Whittaker expressed interest in facing Sean Strickland, noting: "I think Strickland makes a good argument to have. Because, I feel like we've both been in the top sort of pond for a long time circling each other. I look at his style and I find it curious.” His commitment to fighting higher-ranked contenders reflects his ambitions to regain prominence within the division.
Adding to the drama, Henry Cejudo has been vocal about his frustrations with MMA officials following his controversial loss to Song Yadong at UFC Seattle. Talking about the incident during his Pound 4 Pound podcast with Kamaru Usman, Cejudo criticized the referee's authority, saying: "We are warned, 'You cannot stick your fingers up top or that's an automatic point.' These guys preach all of this and when stuff happens, they don't do anything." His comments shed light on the concerns surrounding fighter safety and official oversight within the sport.
Meanwhile, Alexander Volkanovski is facing an exciting yet uncertain phase of his career. The 36-year-old, who is scheduled to fight Diego Lopes for the vacant UFC featherweight title at UFC 314 on April 12, recalls his perspective on the matter during The Ariel Helwani Show. "I still love it, but how much longer do I want to do this to myself and my body? I do want to eventually sail off in the sunset," he said. Volkanovski is not backing down and aims for 2-3 more fights to solidify his legacy.
Volkanovski feels confident heading back to the octagon after experiencing back-to-back losses. Discussing his preparation for his upcoming fight, he shared, "A few months ago, I didn't know. I was like, 'I might not be the same guy I was.' But... I'm bringing the belt back home. I'm very, very confident of it." His resolve sets the tone for his impending matchup, emphasizing both his love for the sport and determination to reclaim his title.
Across UFC, these fighters navigate the peaks and valleys of their careers, facing various challenges as they continue to evolve the sport of mixed martial arts. The roads they choose will undoubtedly affect the divisions they compete in and the legacies they leave behind.