LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 08: (R-L) Derrick Lewis kicks Aleksei Oleinik of Russia in their heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 08, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Yeah, I know Jon Jones is going to get the next shot after Francis Ngannou. But the question above says “rightfully.” And before you jump me for disrespecting MMA’s all-time greatest pound-for-pound fighter, let me say I consider Jones just that. He’s the GOAT. I’m not a hater by any means.

With all of that said, I personally think a divisionally merit-based decision would also make business sense. When looking at the heavyweight division, no one competing there has done more to earn the next shot at the winner of UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic and next-in-line challenger Francis Ngannou than “The Black Beast,” Derrick Lewis.

On Saturday, Lewis (25-7 MMA, 16-5) knocked out clear-cut should-be title challenger Curtis Blaydes inside two rounds. The victory extended his winning streak to four. Lewis once again solidified himself as a must-see-TV attraction.

Not only is Lewis entertaining inside the cage with his brutal knockout abilities and unorthodox grappling escapes, he’s right up there with Quinton “Rampage” Jackson as the funniest fighter in UFC history. Every time the man opens his mouth, something viral comes out. He’s phenomenal.

All of this strengthens the case for Lewis to be next. But you also can’t forget he also has a win over a man who could end up being the next UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou. If Miocic defeats Ngannou, Lewis would be a fresh matchup.

So why not give Jon Jones a test at heavyweight before he sniffs gold? A warm-up seems like a good move. This would let him get his footing under him. Make “Jon Jones’ heavyweight debut” an attraction regardless of the opponent. Let Lewis fight the winner of Miocic-Ngannou in the meantime.

Then, Jones can fight whichever of those three fighters walks away with the title in a highly-anticipated showdown, that had months of build-up.

Maybe the UFC wants the sure-thing: Jones fighting for heavyweight gold. But I’m a risk-taker. Without risk, you miss out on rewards. Gamble, UFC. Gamble!

Article source: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-opinion-analysis-who-should-be-next-heavyweight-title-shot-derrick-lewis-jon-jones-cyril-gane