UFC Heavyweight Props – This past January 20th, UFC Heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic outlasted Francis N’Gannou to make the third official defense of his belt. It made Miocic the first heavyweight to defend the title three times earning him a place in UFC history. As the UFC’s kingpin among the big boys, Miocic has a huge target on his back and the books are taking bets on whether he will be champion by the end of the year.
Also fighting on January 20th was UFC Light Heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, who successfully defended his title. The UFC moved quickly to announce Cormier vs Miocic for July 7th. The dates leave open the possibility that the winner of that fight could be booked for the year end show in December as well.
Now, Miocic vs Cormier might see the winner return to action in January or February, in which case the winner of July’s showdown will end the year as heavyweight champion. If the winner is injured in July, the next fight will certainly fall next year, so the odds are right on. The two best odds to end the year as UFC heavyweight champion belong to Miocic and Cormier.
It does not matter if Miocic or Cormier wins in July, if the heavyweight belt is contested again in December, this prop bet becomes interesting.
Right now, the next set of names are all in the same boat. Former champion Cain Velasquez, who hasn’t fought since 2016, might have the strongest case for a New Year’s eve title shot. Fabricio Werdum is also a former champion as is Junior Dos Santos, who didn’t make the list. Francis N’Gannou made the list, but he is coming off the January loss to Miocic and it is unlikely he is going to get another title shot this year.
Miocic or Cormier versus any of the above mentioned fighters is a credible fight and the UFC may go that way. But face it the UFC wants to do big things and New Year’s eve and the heavyweight championship are props the UFC has gone to time and again to sell a fight. Velasquez, Werdum and Dos Santos would be a plan “B” at best.
Jon Jones appears on the list at +350 and that tells you all you need to know about what the UFC wants. The disgraced former light heavyweight champion has popped up on the social media radar and there is talk he could return to action this year.
Jones may have some administrative process left before he can compete, but what the UFC wants they usually get. Miocic versus Jones would pit the most decorated heavyweight champion they have against the phenom in Jones. Oh, and if Cormier wins in July, the Jones vs Cormier III trilogy closer is easy to sell.
Sometime in April Jones will hear what his final punishment will be. If he gets a slap on the wrist he could easily fight by year’s end. Then July will give us Miocic vs Cormier and after that, we will know if we will get a December superfight.
A final pair of questions. Should Brock Lesnar have made the list as well? Will Lesnar be on the 2019 list?
UFC Heavyweight Props – UFC 200 pounds and over Champion on Dec. 31, 2018
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