Who’s Available?
While he’s currently available, reports seem to indicate heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier is looking at a return later in the summer. Initial rumors circulated that he would be fighting former title-holder Brock Lesnar at UFC 241 in August. Then, Dana White offered up Stipe Miocic as a potential option, instead of Lesnar. Either way, July’s second PPV doesn’t look like it’ll be Cormier’s landing spot, regardless of who he’s fighting.
That leaves welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. His feud with former interim champ Colby Covington looks like it’s headed to the Octagon soon. It’s a big enough bout, in the ESPN PPV-era, to main event a card. Especially given the promotion’s packed summer schedule. Usman defending his belt against Covington might not be the most enthralling matchup on paper, but it’s hard to deny either fighter’s resumé.
If the promotion gets desperate, and 145-pound champ Max Holloway’s future remains uncertain, they could force an interim (or vacant) featherweight title-fight into the main event. Utilizing the winner of Jose Aldo–Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 237, and another contender like Brian Ortega or Frankie Edgar, a belt-worthy bout could be made.
There are a couple of other wild cards as well. Nobody is sure what Conor McGregor’s next move will be. The same can be said of Nate Diaz. And Tony Ferguson. However unlikely, they’re all technically available for some high-profile matchups.
Cris Cyborg is free as well. She last fought at in December, losing her featherweight title to Amanda Nunes. Nunes has other plans at the moment, so if Cyborg is looking for a title-fight, she’s going to have to wait longer than late-July. But, she’s proven her ability to draw viewers, despite lesser-known opponents. It wouldn’t be a title bout, but Cyborg atop a UFC PPV wouldn’t be crazy. Even without a belt.
Let us know who you think will be headlining UFC 240 in July, and who you want to see in the main event of July’s second pay-per-view! If we had to guess, we’re leaning toward Kamaru Usman making his first welterweight title-defense against Colby Covington. Comment below, on Facebook, or reply on Twitter!
