The final UFC event of the year is now in the books and it was a solid way to round out 2024, with seven of the thirteen fights ending in KO/TKO – although some were much more brutal than others.
Among the winners at UFC Tampa were undefeated bantamweight prospect Daniel Marcos and talented Spanish striker Joel Alvarez – both of whom had some iconic names in mind as to who they want to fight next.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Jose Aldo called by Daniel Marcos after split-decision win at UFC Tampa
Peruvian bantamweight Daniel Marcos continues to see improvements in his overall game; with 'Soncora' now 17-0 as a professional and 4-0 in the UFC (with one NC) following his split-decision win over Adrian Yanez at UFC Tampa.
While Marcos was universally panned for a rare 'double fault' in the first round, landing a groin strike and an eye poke at the same time, his post-fight callout has also raised an eyebrow or two.
“It was a tough fight, I mean the first round was tough, the second round got even tougher and in the third round I was finally able to get some takedowns,” Marcos told the presser, arguing that he “deserves to to be in the Top 15” will follow Tuesday's update.
“I feel like I'm a new face in the division… I want to fight the best, I'm here to fight the best and learn more… For the next fight I want someone who will take his time has had, I believe this is my time, and that is Jose Aldo.
“I think he's had his time; I think this is my time, and I have to tell people now that the Peruvian has arrived, a dog has arrived, a new face and a new generation – I am ready for everyone in the Top 15 and Jose Aldo should be the one are. ”
Jose Aldo Jr returned to MMA earlier this year after a brief stint in boxing, scoring a UD win over Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301 before dropping a split decision to Mario Bautista in October – 'The King of Rio' reads currently at number 11. .
UFC Tampa winner wants 'one last dance at 155' against Donald Cerrone
Of the seven KO/TKO wins we witnessed at UFC Tampa, one of the most impressive was scored by flashy Spaniard Joel Alvarez – who held up opponent Drakkar Klose with one hand while scoring the knockout with the other .
Alvarez is now on a three-fight winning streak and while he already plans to move up to welterweight, he teased that there is one name (and venue) that could keep him at 155 pounds.
“It could be [my last fight at lightweight]but I have decided that if there is a UFC Spain [in 2025]that would be my last dance at the age of 155… For my last dance I was going to fight someone coming back – I heard he might come back at the age of 155 or 170 – but it would be Cowboy Cerrone.
Donald Cerrone announced he plans to return to the UFC next year, although his comeback received mixed reactions after he bragged about his PED use.
“For me that would be a dream, and I heard it could be a possibility if he comes back for a few fights,” hinted Alvarez, who is now 22-3 as a professional.
“It would be a dream for me to have my picture taken with him, [so] Imagine a fight – that would be great.”
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