Dana White believes the UFC heavyweight division is moving in a positive direction following an influx of emerging talent and several notable performances from the promotion’s developing contenders.
The division has faced a period of uncertainty in recent years, with established names aging out of contention and undisputed champion Tom Aspinall sidelined since suffering eye injuries in his no-contest against Ciryl Gane last October. However, prospects including Josh Hokit, Valter Walker, Rizvan Kuniev and NCAA wrestling standout Gable Steveson have helped add depth to the heavyweight ranks.
“We agree,” said White at the UFC Sacramento post-fight press conference when asked if the heavyweight division was improving, according to MMA Fighting. “We’ve got a lot of divisions that are shaking up right now and getting fun. The boys have been working hard on a few of the different divisions that we thought were a little stale, I’ll say.”
Three heavyweight contests featured at UFC Sacramento, with Vitor Petrino improving to 4-0 since moving up from light heavyweight with a victory over Serghei Spivac, while Shamil Gaziev stopped Kennedy Nzechukwu with a one-punch knockout. Anthony Wint also made a successful UFC debut, submitting Terrance Chatman in the opening round just 11 days after earning his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. “Yeah, I love guys that. You know, if you look at what the Contender Series has done for the UFC, and for the business, and when you have these guys who come in and make a big impact and then want to turn right around and fight,” said White.
White said he would welcome more fighters following Wint’s example by competing again quickly when opportunities arise. “Tell me you want to fight again next weekend, you’re fighting next weekend. I love it and it’s the right thing to do,” said White. “First of all, if you’re a fighter, more people know who you are, your name gets out there faster, more people are talking about you on Sunday and Monday and you make more money. I mean, it’s a no-brainer. I’d love to see more guys do it.”
The heavyweight picture could continue to develop as Petrino attempts to build on his emergence as a top-10 contender and prospects such as Wint establish themselves at UFC level. The division also awaits the return of Aspinall, whose absence has left the heavyweight championship picture on hold.
Aspinall has been sidelined since his bout with Gane ended in a no-contest because of the eye injuries, leaving the UFC without an active undisputed heavyweight champion. The recent arrival and progression of several contenders has nevertheless given the promotion additional options as it looks to refresh one of its traditionally marquee divisions.
