The UFC heavyweight division is in need of rescuing, and these may be the people to do it.
Like in boxing, heavyweight was once the glamuor division of mixed martial arts. Some of the biggest names in the UFC competed in the weight class, including Stipe Miocic, Cain Velasquez, Brock Lesnar, and Randy Couture.
The days of those stars thrilling fans are firmly behind us, and the roster now comprises largely low-level heavyweights who have become known for sloppy fatigue fests inside the Octagon.
That was most recently on display when Tallison Teixeira beat Tai Tuivasa at UFC 325, a fight that led to many fans calling for the division to be abolished.
But one former contender thinks there is a path to the weight class being saved.
Brendan Schaub says signing Francis Ngannou and Gable Steveson could revitalise heavyweight division
Brendan Schaub fought in the UFC during a time when some of the sport’s biggest names were still active.
During his run inside the Octagon, ‘Big Brown’ went up against Mirko Cro Cop, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Gabriel Gonzaga.
Looking back on where the division stands today, Schaub named three fighters who he believes could make a real difference if brought in.
“The heavyweight division is so bad,” said Schaub. “It’s such a shell of what it used to be, even when I fought. It used to be so good.
“Go back and watch PRIDE heavyweight grand prix. Even Bellator 10 years ago was better than this current heavyweight division in the UFC. When I fought, it was the who’s-who. It was murderer’s row. Now it’s just a shell of itself, and it doesn’t have to be.
“If they signed Rico (Verhoeven), if they came to an understanding with Francis (Ngannou), if they signed Gable Steveson, we’re at least cooking with some gas that makes it exciting,” he added.
“Somebody needs to step in and go, ‘Hey man, this heavyweight division is dying if not dead.’ Your current heavyweight champ is having serious eye surgery. He’s out nine months. Jon Jones wants one more.”
Schaub also mentioned that bringing Ngannou back into the fold would have an immediate impact on fan interest.
Francis Ngannou’s UFC return unlikely as Dana White dismisses talk
One of Schaub’s suggestions seems unlikely to materialise anytime soon. After Ngannou spoke about his PFL contract and the possibility of becoming a free agent in 2026, speculation grew about a possible UFC return.
But despite fan interest, Dana White was quick to dismiss the idea.
“I don’t know how I can make it anymore f—- clear,” White said during an interview with The Mac Life while laughing after being asked if he is interested in bringing Ngannou back.
“Let me tell you what, if we let guys go, feel bad for the f—- company that gets them,” he continued. “We let them go for a f—- reason. I don’t have to let anybody go.
Ngannou later indicated he wasn’t interested in a reunion either.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
