UFC’s Unspoken Trend: Fighters on Championship Cards Earning Next Title Shot
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In recent years, a subtle but intriguing trend has developed across the UFC. When fighters compete in the same weight class as a championship bout featured on the same card, they often end up as the next title challenger. But is there really evidence of this UFC title shot trend?
It’s not an official policy, but it’s happened enough times to make fans and media take notice. Sometimes it’s a matter of timing, visibility, or a strong performance. Other times, contenders on the same card are left watching others leapfrog them.
As fighters move up to challenge in new weight classes, or fighters weigh in as the backup for a title fight, there are reasons why the trend might not always fit. Let’s explore the recent pattern to see where it holds true, and where it doesn’t:
Examples That Support the Trend
UFC 320 & UFC 300: Jiří Procházka’s Path Back to Gold
At UFC 320, Jiří Procházka faced Khalil Rountree Jr. on the main card the same night the light heavyweight belt was on the line. Procházka won impressively and stayed cageside to watch the title fight unfold afterward.
The same scenario repeated at UFC 300, when Jiří fought earlier on the card and then watched Alex Pereira successfully defend his title later that night. The following summer, Jiří got the next title fight at UFC 303, confirming how well the strategy can work when timing and performance align.
UFC 307: Kayla Harrison Calls Her Shot
At UFC 307, Julianna Peña recaptured the bantamweight title. Earlier that evening, Kayla Harrison made her UFC debut and wasted no time calling for the winner of the title fight. Her timing paid off, eight months later, she was matched with Peña at UFC 316.
This kind of booking shows how the UFC can use same-division matchups on title cards to build clear storylines and momentum for future title fights.
UFC 317: Joshua Van’s Momentum at Flyweight
At UFC 317, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defended his belt in the co-main event. Just before him, rising star Joshua Van earned his third win of the year. Van caught the attention of fans and matchmakers alike in June, winning fights on two PPVs.
Fighting to start the month, he accepted the short notice fight on UFC 317 just days after his win at UFC 316. Their proximity on the card paid off. The two are now scheduled to face each other at UFC 323 this December.
When the Pattern Doesn’t Hold
UFC 319: MVP’s Win Without a Title Shot
At UFC 319, Michael “Venom” Page beat Jared Cannonier in his middleweight debut, the same night the championship was defended. Despite the performance, MVP hasn’t been immediately linked to a title shot. Khamzat Chimaev won the belt later that night, and has not been booked yet.
But the middleweight division is crowded, and MVP has stated his willingness to continue to fight. He also recently moved up to middleweight, and may need to prove himself in the division despite jumping into the divisions elite.
UFC 315: Natália Silva’s Leap Halted
At UFC 315, Natália Silva picked up a big win on the same night the flyweight belt was on the line. Her performance moved her to the No. 1 contender spot. But, she was skipped when strawweight champion Weili Zhang decided to move up in weight for UFC 322.
Despite doing everything right, Silva serves as proof that some circumstances outweigh others. Weili moving up in weight for a chance at history takes priority, it’s just a bigger fight.
Upcoming Test Cases at UFC 322 & UFC 323
The next two events could further prove (or disprove) the UFC title shot trend.
At UFC 322, Sean Brady faces Michael Morales on the prelims, while Leon Edwards meets Carlos Prates on the main card. The welterweight belt is being defended later that night in the main event. Erin Blanchfield vs. Tracy Cortez also happens on the same card, before the flyweight championship bout is on the line.
A few weeks later, UFC 323 will feature Henry Cejudo vs. Payton Talbott at bantamweight, and Brandon Moreno vs. Tatsuro Taira at flyweight, each before championship fights in their respective divisions. If recent history is any indication, one or more of these contenders could find themselves in line for the belt.
The Verdict
So is it a deliberate choice by the UFC or just coincidence? It might be a bit of both. Matching rising contenders on cards with championship bouts gives fans a clear storyline. It also allows the UFC to set up the next challenger seamlessly if the timing aligns.
However, the business and political side of the sport complicates the pattern at times. Popularity, marketability, injury, and matchmaking politics can all override performance.
Still, the next time a contender fights on the same night a title is being defended, it’s worth watching closely. Because history shows the Octagon spotlight might follow them next, and there might truly be a UFC title shot trend.
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