Kicking Off 2025 with Big MMA Questions

The latest episode of Good Guy/Bad Guy on ESPN MMA dives into the most pressing hypothetical questions surrounding mixed martial arts for the year 2025. Hosts Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen tackle a range of topics that have the MMA community buzzing with anticipation. From potential blockbuster fights to career-defining returns, the discussion offers insights into what might shape the sport in the coming year.

Will Jon Jones Face Tom Aspinall for $30 Million?

Starting around the 4:36 mark, the conversation turns to the highly anticipated matchup between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. The hosts debate whether Jones, the UFC heavyweight champion, will step into the octagon against interim champion Aspinall, especially with rumors of a staggering $30 million payday on the line. The discussion highlights the significance of this potential unification bout and the financial stakes that could influence Jones' decision, given his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats and his nearing retirement.

Conor McGregor’s Next Move: Logan Paul or UFC?

At approximately the 10:52 timestamp, the focus shifts to Conor McGregor’s future. Cormier and Sonnen explore the possibility of McGregor taking on YouTube star Logan Paul in a boxing match before making a long-awaited return to the UFC. By the 17:50 mark, they delve deeper into the likelihood of McGregor stepping back into the octagon, analyzing how such a return could impact his legacy and the sport’s landscape in 2025. The hosts weigh the entertainment value of a Paul fight against the competitive significance of a UFC comeback.

Amanda Nunes: A Return for Unfinished Business?

Around the 23:25 point, the episode addresses whether Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest female fighter in MMA history, might come out of retirement. The hosts speculate on a potential clash with Kayla Harrison, discussing how such a matchup could settle lingering questions in the women’s divisions. They consider Nunes’ dominance and whether unfinished business could lure her back to the cage for one more defining fight in 2025.

Double Champion Aspirations for Pereira and Islam

Shifting gears at the 31:09 mark, the conversation turns to Alex Pereira’s chances of becoming a double champion across two weight classes. The hosts evaluate his potential to achieve this rare feat and what it would mean for his standing in the sport. Shortly after, near the 35:20 timestamp, they discuss Islam Makhachev’s prospects of also securing titles in two divisions, analyzing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for both fighters in the new year.

Other Potential Matchups on the Horizon

Towards the end of the show, around the 36:19 mark, Cormier and Sonnen touch on additional hypothetical fights, including a possible Colby Covington versus Sean Strickland bout. They explore how such matchups could captivate audiences and influence rankings in their respective divisions. The episode wraps up with a broader look at how these hypothetical scenarios could define the narrative of MMA in 2025, leaving fans eager for confirmation of these blockbuster events.

Final Thoughts on 2025’s MMA Landscape

The Good Guy/Bad Guy episode serves as a compelling preview of what MMA might hold in 2025. From unification bouts and high-profile returns to ambitious double-champion bids, the hosts provide a thorough breakdown of the sport’s biggest questions. As the year unfolds, these discussions will undoubtedly fuel debates and anticipation among those following the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts.