The final UFC event of the year is now in the books, and it was a solid way to round out 2024 with seven of the 13 fights ending in KO/TKO – albeit some were far more vicious than others.
Amongst the winners from UFC Tampa was undefeated bantamweight prospect Daniel Marcos, and talented Spanish striker Joel Alvarez – both of whom had some iconic names in mind as to who they want to fight next.
Jose Aldo called out by Daniel Marcos following split-decision win at UFC Tampa
Peruvian bantamweight Daniel Marcos continues to see improvements in his overall game; with ‘Soncora’ now 17-0 as a professional and 4-0 in the UFC (with one NC) after his split-decision win over Adrian Yanez at UFC Tampa.
Whilst Marcos was universally panned for a rare ‘double-foul’ during the first round, landing a groin strike and eye poke at the same time, his post-fight callout has also raised one or two eyebrows.
“It was a tough fight, I mean the first round it was tough, second round got tougher, and in the third round, I was finally able to get some takedowns out there,” stated Marcos at the presser, arguing that he “deserves to be in the Top 15” come Tuesday’s update.
“I feel that I am a new face in the division… I want to fight the best, I’m here to fight the best, and learn more… For the next fight, I want somebody who’s had his time, I believe that this is my time, and that’s Jose Aldo.
“I think he’s had his time; I think this is my time, and I need to tell people right now that the Peruvian has arrived, a dog has arrived, a new face and generation – I’m ready for anybody in the Top 15 and Jose Aldo would be the one.”
Jose Aldo Jr returned to MMA earlier this year after a short stint in boxing, scoring a UD win over Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301 before dropping a split-decision to Mario Bautista in October – ‘The King of Rio’ is currently ranked at #11.
UFC Tampa winner wants ‘one last dance at 155’ against Donald Cerrone
Out of the seven KO/TKO wins that we witnessed at UFC Tampa, one of the most impressive was scored by flashy Spaniard Joel Alvarez – who held opponent Drakkar Klose up with one hand, whilst landing the knockout with the other.
Alvarez is now on a three-fight winning streak and whilst he’s already planning on moving up to welterweight, he teased that there’s one name (and location) that could keep him at 155lbs.
“It could be [my last fight at lightweight], but I’ve decided that if there’s going to be a UFC Spain [in 2025], that would be my last dance at 155… For my last dance, I would fight somebody who’s coming back – I’ve heard he might be coming back at 155 or 170 – but it would be Cowboy Cerrone.”
Donald Cerrone announced that he’s planning on returning to the UFC next year, albeit his comeback was met with a mixed response after boasting about his PED use.
“To me, that would be a dream, and I’ve heard it might be a possibility if he comes back for a couple of fights,” hinted Alvarez, who is now 22-3 as a professional.
“It would be a dream for me to get a photo with him, [so] imagine a fight – that would be amazing.”