State of Heavyweight

UFC Vegas 114 just wrapped up and it is easily the best card of the year. Not even a numbered card. It’s pretty rare to get a good card, but what’s even more rare is a good heavyweight scrap.

Steve Asplund is the most interesting heavyweight in MMA right now aside from Gable Steveson, and I’d argue Steve is just more interesting as a person. Fat guy loses weight and starts fighting. He body-shames himself, but in a fun way. In addition to having an interesting story and charisma, he is a fun action fighter, which is seriously lacking in this division. Tom Aspinall is probably the next best action fighter.

So although heavyweight is still in shambles, there is some movement in a positive direction, but it still is on a very shaky foundation. Asplund has skills and I think he can go much farther if he tightens a few things up. Very solid chin, decent movement, cardio, and surprisingly good takedown defense. Good enough to thwart Gable Steveson? Probably not in a direct shot, but he may be able to keep him away with his hands.

But… I still think the UFC as a whole is trending downward with its card strength and matchmaking. I saw someone on X say, “Where is everyone complaining all week that UFC fights are dead?” And this is a stupid argument. I’d equate the state of the UFC to global warming. Temperatures on average are getting warmer year over year. Just because one year or even one day is cooler than the rest is not indicative of the larger trend. And just because this one card was solid doesn’t mean the UFC on average isn’t putting on shittier cards. They are. One card doesn’t excuse shit. And it was a Fight Night… not even a numbered event. So what does that tell you? There weren’t even major names on this card.

There are constantly dumb takes, but I figured highlighting that one was worth it…

Anyways, on to the next.