The UFC’s heavyweight division is facing a significant challenge, and some believe a few key fighters could help restore its former glory.
Much like boxing, heavyweight MMA used to be a prestigious and exciting category, featuring legendary fighters such as Stipe Miocic, Cain Velasquez, Brock Lesnar, and Randy Couture. However, the division has since declined, now mostly composed of lower-tier heavyweights who often deliver underwhelming performances marked by poor stamina and lackluster action. A recent example was Talison Teixeira’s win over Tai Tuivasa at UFC 325, a fight that left many fans frustrated and questioning the division’s future.
One ex-UFC fighter, Brendan Schaub, sees a potential path forward for heavyweight MMA. Schaub, who competed during the era of greats like Mirko Cro Cop, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Gabriel Gonzaga, spoke on his YouTube channel about how the division has lost much of its former excitement. He suggested that bringing in big names like Francis Ngannou, Rico Verhoeven, and Gable Stevenson could breathe new life into the heavyweight scene.
“Heavyweight is really bad,” Schaub admitted. “Even back when I fought, it was better than it is now. The heavyweight division used to be vibrant and full of rivalries. Now, it feels like it’s just a shadow of what it was.” He praised the quality of past tournaments like the PRIDE Heavyweight Grand Prix and pointed out that even Bellator’s heavyweight division a decade ago was stronger than the UFC’s current roster. Schaub emphasized that signing competitors such as Verhoeven, Ngannou, or Stevenson would make the division exciting again. He also noted that the current UFC heavyweight champion is sidelined with serious eye surgery, sidelining him for nine months, while Jon Jones aims for one final run. According to Schaub, newcomer Alex Pereira might be next in line to make an impact, even though Dana White reportedly has reservations about Ngannou.
Verhoeven, a top kickboxer, reportedly received an offer to join the UFC earlier this year but chose to focus on his boxing career instead.
When it comes to Ngannou, the possibility of his UFC return seems slim. Although ‘The Predator’ has hinted at re-entering free agency once his PFL contract expires in 2026, UFC President Dana White has openly dismissed the idea. In an interview with The Mac Life, White expressed disdain for Ngannou, laughing off the notion of re-signing him and emphasizing that he prefers not to do business with someone he doesn’t respect. Ngannou himself has since indicated that he is not interested in coming back to the UFC.
Fan Take: This ongoing saga around the UFC heavyweight division highlights just how crucial star power and competitive depth are to keeping fans engaged. If key fighters like Ngannou or Stevenson do make it back or debut in the UFC, it could revitalize one of the sport’s most thrilling weight classes and restore heavyweight MMA’s status as a marquee attraction.
