That UFC 230 main event we’ve been waiting for? Apparently, it’s in the works, and it’s an undeniably surprising one.
According to a report from Ariel Helwani, the UFC is looking at booking a light heavyweight showdown between Alexander Gustafsson and Yoel Romero for the card. If the fight is indeed booked, it will reportedly be for a title, though it’s not certain whether the pair would be fighting for an interim or undisputed title.
Whatever the case, the fact that a title would be on the line implies this fight would indeed headline the card over the current Dustin Poirier vs. Nate Diaz lightweight co-main event, which is not a title fight.
UFC seriously discussing booking Yoel Romero vs. Alexander Gustafsson at light heavyweight for the MSG card on 11/3, according to multiple sources. The fight isn’t finalized, though. A title would be on the line with both interim and official options discussed.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 26, 2018
“UFC seriously discussing booking Yoel Romero vs. Alexander Gustafsson at light heavyweight for the MSG card on 11/3, according to multiple sources,” Helwani said on Twitter. “The fight isn’t finalized, though. A title would be on the line with both interim and official options discussed.”
With most of its champions either booked or injured, the UFC has struggled to find a main event for UFC 230, which goes down on November 3 in New York City. This Yoel Romero vs. Alexander Gustafsson title fight is a surprising but undeniably compelling solution to this dilemma.
If this fight is booked, of course, it’s going to create some key questions.
First and foremost, what will it mean for Daniel Cormier’s UFC light heavyweight title? While Cormier’s last fight occurred at heavyweight, where he knocked out Stipe Miocic to win gold, he’s repeatedly expressed interested in defending the light heavyweight title again before his planned March retirement.
Secondly, where does Jon Jones fit into all this madness? The former champion’s 15-month suspension will be over in November. He will almost certainly get a light heavyweight title shot upon his return — whether it’s against Yoel Romero, Alexander Gustafsson, or Daniel Cormier.
What do you think of this wild plan for the UFC 230 main event?
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 9/26/2018.