The UFC is going through a transitional period, with legends like Dustin Poirier and Stipe Miocic retiring and other long-time staples such as Anthony Smith leaving the sport. Fans need new, fresh blood, and whilst the emergence of “The Fighting Nerds” and stars such as Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria have certainly eased concerns, more is needed. Well, look no further, as in this article, I will be showing you exactly who the UFC has to sign next, no matter the price tag.
Losene Keita is a name that every fight fan will come to know in the coming years. At just 27 years old, the Belgian beast has accomplished more than most retired fighters could ever dream of. A two-weight Oktagon champion, with a professional record of 16-1, with 10 of those wins coming by knockout, and his only loss coming via a freak leg injury. It is clear to see Keita is the real deal.
In his most recent fight on Oktagon 65, in Prague, “The Black Panther” headlined a sold-out show with 15,000 in attendance to watch him perform. This demonstrates exactly why the UFC should sign Keita at all costs. Not only is he an animal inside the cage, but he is also incredibly marketable at a much-needed time. The UFC has slowly filled with European superstars, Ilia Topuria, Merab Dvalishvili, Paddy Pimblett, Ian Garry, and more. The organisation now has the chance to branch out into more events held in Europe. We have all seen the incredible atmosphere that recent events in Paris and London have created. Losene Keita would bring these passionate crowds to life. His style caters to the fans, blending incredible hand speed with some of the most vicious power you will see at 145 and 155 pounds. Keita even branched into Muay Thai for one fight in 2022, beating the accomplished Milan Pales by decision. This demonstrates just how good his striking truly is. Despite training MMA year-round, Keita dipped his toes into unfamiliar waters and still came out on top.
The immediate potential fights at 145 pounds are a further argument for throwing a blank cheque book at Keita. Established veterans, Dan Ige and Patricio Pitbull, would provide exciting, technical matchups for different reasons. The standup contests between Ige and Keita would be some of the crispest, most entertaining you could see. Whilst a fight with Pitbull would test the proven elite takedown defence of “The Black Panther”, allowing fans to see exactly why the Oktagon champion could climb the 145-pound mountain in the UFC. However, one matchup stands out in particular and, in my opinion, it is one of the most exciting possibilities in the entire sport.
Jean Silva vs Losene Keita is guaranteed fireworks. 2 elite strikers with vicious one-punch knockout power who are equally obsessed with fighting. Both men live and breathe the sport, spending every waking minute of their time scheming different ways to level up their game. This fight would be one for the ages, providing fans with a potential Hall of Fame-level war. Neither man knows how to quit; neither man is satisfied with winning a decision. These two men feel destined to fight one day. All that is left for this dream to become a reality is for the UFC to do everything in their power to sign Losene Keita.
To conclude, Losene Keita is already a star across Europe. However, to become the global superstar he is more than capable of being, he needs a global stage. The UFC is that stage. Hopefully, the UFC can finalise an agreement with Keita soon and allow their fans to see exactly what they have been missing out on.
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