Francis Ngannou shook up the world last night, recording a massive victory in his return to MMA, which begs the question: Is ‘The Predator’ the best heavyweight in the sport?
To attempt to answer this, Bloody Elbow has compiled a list of the greatest competitors in the most exciting weight class of them all.
1) Francis Ngannou
Despite taking a long hiatus from the cage, on October 19, Francis Ngannou proved that he’s not skipped a beat, destroying Renan Ferreira inside the opening round.
While some questioned the Brazilian’s credentials going into the bout, he’d won the PFL heavyweight tournament and annihilated Ryan Bader, proving his status as a more than worthy adversary. Regardless, he was no match for ‘The Predator’, who’s now claimed a championship belt in a second major promotion.
With Ngannou back in the sport, it’s difficult to deny his status as the number one in the world. After all, he’s, in theory, ‘the lineal’ UFC champion, with an impressive winning streak that includes a demolition job of the greatest heavyweight of all time — Stipe Miocic.
2) Tom Aspinall
While Ngannou has been away, another heavyweight has risen to global superstardom, leaving fans in awe with his lightning hands and thunderous power.
Tom Aspinall is possibly the most complete heavyweight in the business. With a terrifying Brazilian jiu-jitsu game to match his formidable boxing, the English athlete has dominated the UFC, destroying every fighter in his path.
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After stepping up on late notice to beat Sergei Pavlovich for the interim title, he then defended the belt in brutal fashion against Curtis Blaydes.
All Aspinall has to do now to define his legacy is claim the undisputed belt.
3) Jon Jones
Jon Jones is quite possibly the most talented fighter to have ever graced the sport of MMA. However, the majority of his career has been spent at light heavyweight rather than heavyweight.
Currently, ‘Bones’ only has one win in the division, against Ciryl Gane. Thus, despite the fact that the victory itself was impressive, and he holds the undisputed UFC title, in the eyes of the fans, Jones still has a lot to prove.
And while a finish over Miocic at UFC 309 will help his cause, the world is still desperate to see the New Yorker take on Aspinall.
Sadly, some fear this match-up may never materialize, but with his legacy balanced on a knife edge, Jones may well still give the world the bout they so desperately want.
4) Ciryl Gane
In his professional career, Ciryl Gane has dazzled fans and opponents alike with his slick kickboxing style.
Despite only making his debut in 2018, the Frenchman has quickly excelled, picking up a plethora of big wins, including a statement performance over Derrick Lewis to claim the UFC interim title.
While grappling holes in his game have been exposed by Jones and Ngannou, it’s clear Gane is a long way from finishing his mixed martial arts journey.
And with a recent knockout over Serghei Spivac firmly on his resume, European fans are excited for what’s to come next.
5) Alexander Volkov
In a testament to his fighting spirit, Alexander Volkov is refusing to give up on his dreams.
Despite sustaining losses on his path to MMA greatness, the Russian is laser-focused on reaching his ultimate goal.
Since succumbing to the striking prowess of Aspinall, the 6 ft 7 monster has battled back from the brink, defeating four consecutive opponents, to prove he still has what it takes to compete with the best in MMA.
And at UFC 310, he’ll put it all on the line against Gane, in what promises to be an absolute barnburner.
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