When it comes to discussing the most notable managers in MMA, you can’t leave Ali Abdelaziz’ name out of the mix.

He works with some of the biggest and best names MMA has to offer. Some of which he has recently provided updates for when making an appearance on MMAJunkie Radio.

Former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt last fought in August when he attempted to reclaim his title against arch-rival and former teammate, TJ Dillashaw.

Unfortunately for Garbrandt, things wouldn’t go his way, now we’re just awaiting his return.

“Cody Garbrandt will make his comeback March 2 [UFC 235]. I would like him to fight Pedro Munhoz,” Abdelaziz said. “The UFC need to do what they need to do. I think Pedro Munhoz is an amazing fighter. He just knocked out Bryan Caraway. When he fought Rivera, I thought he beat Rivera, too. I think Pedro Munhoz is an amazing fighter, and I would like to see Cody Garbrandt fight Pedro Munhoz.”

Pedro Munhoz is currently the No. 10 ranked contender in the bantamweight division and has won six out of his last seven fights with the lone loss coming by split decision to John Dodson.

At lightweight, one of if not the most exciting fighter in any division is Justin ‘The Highlight’ Gaethje.

The former World Series of Fighting king most recently knocked out James Vick in just one round at UFC Lincoln in August. Originally, Gaethje was to be facing off with Al Iaquinta who would later pull out due to injury.

“Gaethje wants to fight Al,” Abdelaziz shared. “There’s talk about Gaethje [vs Edson] Barboza, but Al owes him one. He owes him this. He bailed out on him when tickets went on sale. Once tickets went on sale, Al didn’t show up. I think Al owes him this one.”

And as for another former champion that works with the manager, former heavyweight champ Fabricio Werdum who was suspended for a USADA violation in September, it appears that his run with the company could be over after the suspension is up.

“I don’t think Fabricio fights in the UFC again,” Abdelaziz stated. “I think he is going to be fighting, probably not in the UFC. You think USADA is legit? Fabricio’s going to do what’s the best for Fabricio. He has a family, kids and I love him to death. I think he got…I don’t know what happened to him. But he got screwed. I know he didn’t cheat, but I’m his manager, and I’ve got his back.”

Werdum is currently age 41 and his last fight came in March 2018 when he suffered a fourth-round knockout loss to Alexander Volkov.

Cody Garbrandt, Justin Gaethje, and Fabricio Werdum have all been very exciting fighters over the years. So whatever is next for them, fans will surely look forward to seeing it.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 12/26/2018