The UFC is kicking off 2019 with a legitimate champion vs champion super fight in T.J. Dillashaw vs Henry Cejudo. The promotion has also promised even more big things this year as they launch a new era with ESPN, and some of those could involve top names and stars who are not necessarily champions at the moment.

While Dana White probably wasn’t alluding to these specific match ups, here are the top non-title cross-divisional match ups that I want to see in 2019.

5. Yoel Romero vs. Alexander Gustafsson at light heavyweight

Why it should happen: Romero probably should’ve moved up a division a long time ago, and he has missed weight on his last two bouts. His explosiveness doesn’t seem to be waning even through his 40’s, but his gas tank would also conceivably be much better without that tough weight cut.

He also has lost to Robert Whittaker twice now, so while he seems to still be close or at the top of his game, it’s unlikely he gets another title shot unless the champion loses... to Adesanya, maybe? But that’s a whole different topic.

At the paper thin light heavyweight division, Romero has a quick route to title contention, and would likely be slotted against a top contender. I think Gustafsson would be an excellent choice for a bout that could bring some fireworks and have an immediate impact on the title picture.

Odds it actually happens: Possible. Romero has better opportunities at 205, and what could stop this is Gustafsson moving up for a similar reason. If the Swede does go up to heavyweight, I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing a title eliminator against Stipe Miocic. So yes, I’m guessing that money talks, and DC still fights Lesnar, leaving Stipe free for a while.

4. John Lineker vs Chan Sung Jung at featherweight

Why it should happen: It doesn’t matter that he is a former flyweight, or that he’s only 5’3. We already know that Lineker is crazy enough to jump to featherweight and fight a killer, even on short notice. Lineker makes all these cowards fighters grapple, but we know that the Korean Zombie will willingly slug it out with anyone up to the bitter end. Do I need to explain more? LET LINEKER AND ZOMBIE BANG, BRO.

Odds it actually happens: Almost impossible. Lineker would jump at this opportunity but the UFC is protecting the other divisions from him probably not going to allow him to jump up to his second division.

3. Georges St-Pierre vs Khabib Nurmagomedov at 165 lbs

Why it should happen: Despite what Dana White wants you to think, St-Pierre has more than earned his right to step in for big money super-fights at this stage of his legendary career.

I also know I said this list won’t involve belts, but GSP vs Khabib would be far more interesting if the UFC booked this to kick off the 165 division and crown an inaugural champion. I would still settle for a non-championship catchweight though, as it’s just an intriguing match up to me. Both men seem to be interested in facing each other, and they’re two big names, backed by two big markets, and with two very different — but also somewhat similar styles.

It would be a high-level, high-stakes match up that could affect these champions’ legacies. I really want to see how it all unfolds, and I’m sure it would be a big hit on pay-per-view as well.

Tony Ferguson is the only person who deserves the next lightweight title shot, but honestly, I wouldn’t be too upset if this GSP super-fight happens before (or even after, if Khabib wins) that match up.

Odds it actually happens: Highly Unlikely. Dana White hates GSP.

2. Jon Jones at heavyweight, against the winner of Ngannou vs. Velasquez

Why it should happen: Legit question, would any of you be truly excited to watch Jones defend his belt against Smith, Reyes, or Blachowicz? Me neither, and for the longest time, I’ve wanted to see the GOAT* chase greatness and ply his trade at heavyweight.

Right now, I want to see him fight the winner of Francis Ngannou vs Cain Velasquez. The two options just make a lot of sense.

If Ngannou wins, he’ll have a talented wrestler on his resume. That said, Jones will still have a legitimate avenue of winning against a guy with a suspect ground game and less diverse/technical striking, but it would still be against a monster athlete with a legitimate KO threat that Jon has not seen before.

If Velasquez wins, he’s right back in the title picture, but the former champion wouldn’t want to fight Cormier for the belt he used to hold. That’s where Jones comes in, and the AKA rivalry and back story gets played up.

I don’t know about you, but I am all in on seeing either of those bouts.

Odds it actually happens: Doubtful. The UFC would probably be willing to make those match ups, but Jones is fighting Anthony Smith next, and he has always been non-committal about a move to heavyweight. Despite all the smack talk and lines about having his number, Jones has repeatedly stated that he’s not willing to face Cormier at heavyweight even if it means being a two-division champion himself.

1. Jose Aldo vs Nate Diaz at lightweight

Why it should happen: Aldo has long spoken about wanting to move up in weight, and could possibly have better five round conditioning at 155. Diaz, on the other hand, has stated that he isn’t returning unless it’s a big fight. Well, here you go. Problem solved!

Stylistically, this match up just intrigues me as well. Diaz always had problems dealing with leg kicks, while Aldo has struggled with longer, better boxers. Why not put them together and see what happens?

Aldo vs Diaz seems like a perfect ESPN main event, regardless of how Aldo’s bout with Moicano ends up too. You either have a sellable main event with two stars who are each coming off a loss, or you get Aldo on a nice winning streak, looking to add Diaz to his already incredible resume and instantly be in the lightweight title picture.

This definitely has to happen, UFC. Hell, you can even sell a McGregor rematch for the winner of this bout.

Odds it actually happens: Who the f—k knows? This is a Diaz fight we’re talking about.

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