By MMA Junkie Staff
January 2, 2021 10:10 am

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Article source: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/video-top-5-mma-storylines-2020-conor-mcgregor-fights-ufc-year-review

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, believes there is a chance that his fighter might return to the Octagon, but it may take more than company president Dana White can pull off.

Abdelaziz believes that a match-up with former UFC two-division champion Georges St-Pierre could draw Khabib out of retirement. He added that Khabib was already offered a fight with Floyd Mayweather, but the fight didn’t get made, even with Dana White’s blessing.

Even though Khabib might return for St-Pierre, will it happen? Abdelaziz weighed in.

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(Video courtesy of TMZSports)

Article source: https://www.mmaweekly.com/khabib-would-likely-fight-georges-st-pierre-turned-down-floyd-mayweather

Jiri Prochazka made quite the impression in his UFC debut with a stellar performance against Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 251 in July. The Czech light heavyweight has only had one of his 30 professional fights go to decision.

He’ll return to the Octagon in February to headline a UFC Fight Night opposite fellow light heavyweight contender Dominick Reyes.

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(Video courtesy of UFC)

Article source: https://www.mmaweekly.com/watch-jiri-prochazkas-ufc-debut-knockout-of-volkan-oezdemir

With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Khabib Nurmagomedov was able to produce one of his best UFC performances.

Nurmagomedov defended his lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 254, which took place on “UFC Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi.

The champion entered the bout with a heavy heart having recently lost his father, and also carried physical pain from a broken toe sustained before the bout. However, Nurmagomedov’s performance didn’t falter one bit as he ran through Gaethje to register another dominant title defense.

Nurmagomedov applied heavy pressure early, while Gaethje attempted to hinder the Russian’s movement with a succession of his famed low kicks. Once Nurmagomedov was able to back up the challenger, he effortlessly took Gaethje to the mat effortlessly, then transitioned to an armbar right before the buzzer sounded.

In Round 2, Nurmagomedov’s pressure proved to be too much for Gaethje, as he was able to get the fight back down to the mat before sinking in a triangle choke that eventually rendered Gaethje unconscious.

Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) announced his retirement after the fight, but UFC president Dana White remains hopeful that he can talk the champion out of retirement when they meet in Abu Dhabi later this month.

Article source: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/ufc-fight-video-khabib-nurmagomedov-submits-justin-gaethje-ufc-254

Stipe Miocic

Going into 2020 one of my big predictions was that reigning UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov would retire from MMA. The circumstances leading up to that retirement didn’t fall in line with my prediction, but it did in fact happen when Nurmagomedov announced he was done with the sport at UFC 254 in October.

Now, I’m going to guess that another man who currently owns a UFC belt is going to make his exit from the game in 2021, and that man is reigning heavyweight kingpin Stipe Miocic.

Miocic has said numerous times that he’s contemplated retirement after every fight in the UFC because of the mental and physical stress it brings. He’s always come back for more, though.

At 38, however, and with 2021 potentially bringing some fights that would put the perfect bow on Miocic’s career, it’s entirely possible the coming 12 months could be the final stretch for the arguable heavyweight GOAT. It’s just a matter of if he can go out on top.

Miocic is looking at a rematch with feared power-puncher Francis Ngannou in the first quarter of the year. A loss could spell the end – or maybe set up a trilogy. If he manages to beat Ngannou again, the biggest fight of Miocic’s career will be waiting against Jon Jones, who is moving up to heavyweight.

If the circumstances aligned for Miocic vs. Jones, there would be no better way to finish his career. If Miocic lost, that would be a conceivable final moment, too.

There are many avenues in play for Miocic in the coming year, but many of lead to similar conclusion point.

Article source: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-mma-predictions-2021-pay-per-view-records-champions-retire-bellator