SUMMARY
- Having put on some great shows around the world, there is an even bigger expectation from them to deliver in 2024 as well.
- Previously, UFC President Dana White promised the fans that they were in for something truly 'special' on April 13, 2024.
The UFC enjoyed a massive year in 2023 with the success of numerous PPV and fight night events. Having put on some great shows around the world, there is an even bigger expectation from them to deliver in 2024 as well. Notably, this year also brings with it the all-important UFC 300.
For those unaware, UFC 300 marks the third centennial of PPV events during its 31-year span. Thus, the event, just like its predecessors, holds a lot of weight, and fans expect it to be the best card they’ve ever seen. Previously, UFC President Dana White promised the fans that they were in for something truly ‘special’ on April 13, 2024.
The first fights for #UFC300 are OFFICIAL 🚨@Jiri_BJP vs @Rakic_UFC@NoBickal vs @CodyBrundage185 pic.twitter.com/lFMQDz4PFR
— UFC (@ufc) December 22, 2023
With that said the initial fight announcements showed some promise. Notably, Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic, Calvin Kattar vs. Aljamain Sterling, and Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage were some of the first fights announced. However, there is a growing feeling that the UFC will need to pull out all the stops in order to create a card that lives up to the fans’ expectations.
In order to do so, the promotion will look for the obvious big-money headliner fight. However, there is a growing belief that any one or even two title fights may not be enough to make it interesting. As such, fans believe that there is a possibility of some familiar faces potentially making a return at UFC 300. With some names doing the rounds on social media, let’s take a look at who these fighters and their opponents could be.
3. Jorge Masvidal
For those unaware, Jorge Masvidal walked away from the sport last year after UFC 287. Having convincingly lost a decision to Gilbert Burns, the original BMF bid farewell to what he loved the most. With four losses on the trot, it would only have been legacy fights for ‘Gamebred‘ from then on. However, even during his retirement, he never closed the door on making a potential comeback.
Unretired
— Jorge Masvidal (@GamebredFighter) January 2, 2024
As such, the 39-year-old recently sent fans into a frenzy after announcing that he was “unretired.” Thus, many have immediately theorized that it could likely mean that he was returning for UFC 300. With that said, there is once again the obvious question of who he should fight. According to fans, a rematch against Stephen Thompson, a mega-fight against Conor McGregor, or even rematches against the next two fighters could be the way to go.
2. Ben Askren
Up next, we have the man who willingly threw his name in the hat to come back and challenge Jorge Masvidal. Notably, Ben Askren has been retired from the sport of MMA since 2019. Having suffered a historic 5-second knee to the face KO from Masvidal, it is clear that ‘Funky‘ will do anything for a shot at redemption. Now 39 and with some debilitating back problems, Askren’s enthusiasm for this fight is unrivaled.
Having suffered a humiliating loss in his boxing match against Jake Paul, it is understandable that things don’t sit right for him. Speaking on Daniel Cormier’s show, Askren said, “If Dana called me right now and said, ‘Ben, Jorge Masvidal at UFC 300, International-‘ I don’t give a damn. I’m out of retirement, I’ll fight him. I don’t care.” Although Askren would for sure love to right his wrongs from the past, any return fight is likely a stretch.
1. Nate Diaz
Last but not least, we have ‘The Stockton Slugger’ himself, Mr. Nate Diaz. Following a perfect sendoff at UFC 279, there was always the expectation that Nate would one day return. Although many would be open to seeing him fight Jorge Masvidal again, some would rather save Nate for a more meaningful contest. With the return of Conor McGregor later in the year, it opens for a trilogy fight between the two.
UFC 300 would be tight but there’s nobody to fight
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) December 23, 2023
Since a fight between them will not be possible in April, there were other names touted in the meantime. Previously, Dustin Poirier was linked to Diaz, but he has since gone on to deny anything in the works. Thus, one would assume that the UFC would like to give him an easier fight, presumably to build up the trilogy with Conor. With no sensible opponents for him in the UFC, there have been rumors of a boxing match against Jorge Masvidal.