UFC 225 on June 9th is taking shape with a series of fights already announced for the PPV show in Chicago.
Headlining will be Robert Whittaker (19-4) defending his UFC middleweight title against the previous victim Yoel Romero (13-2). Whittaker will be defending his title for the first time and an 8 fight win streak against Romero who he beat by a decision to win the interim title in July 2017. Romero earned his chance by beating former champion Luke Rockhold by 3rd round stoppage at UFC 221 in February.
Newly re-signed Curtis Blaydes (9-1) fresh from a big win over Mark Hunt will get a chance to enter the title picture when he meets former UFC title challenger Alistair Overeem (43-16) 1NC.
Joseph Benavidez (25-4) returns from a knee injury to face Sergio Pettis (16-3) in a fight with real title implications. Benavidez riding a 6 fight win streak will look for an impressive victory over Pettis to try and earn a 3rd chance at UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. Pettis is coming off a recent loss to Henry Cejudo, so he badly needs a win to stay in the hunt for a crack at the UFC gold.
Also on the card Claudia Gadelha (15-3) looks to rebound from a loss and faces the former women’s strawweight champion Carla Esparza (13-4) who is riding a 2 fight win streak and heavyweights Andrei Arlovski and the unbeaten Tai Tuivasa square off. Rashad Evans must know another loss will probably signal retirement, he faces Anthony Smith in a light heavyweight bout, and although not confirmed ex WWE star CM Punk has his 2nd MMA bout in front of his hometown fans.
UFC 225 Fight Card:
Robert Whittaker vs. Yoel Romero
Curtis Blaydes vs. Alistair Overeem
Joseph Benavidez vs. Sergio Pettis
Claudia Gadelha vs. Carla Esparza
Rashad Evans vs. Anthony Smith
Andrei Arlovski vs. Tai Tuivasa
Allen Crowder vs. Rashad Coulter
CM Punk vs TBA
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