UFC Columbus: Blaydes vs. Daukaus preview

In its highly anticipated return to Ohio, the UFC is heading back to Columbus this Saturday as #4 ranked Curtis Blaydes takes on #9 Chris Daukaus. This card is a comeback of sorts for the UFC in Columbus as the organization had a card cancelled when the pandemic began.

Curtis Blaydes is looking to extend his win streak as he last defeated Jairzinho Rozenstruik last September via UD, his opponent Chris is coming off a violent loss at the hands of Derrick Lewis who also happens to be the last fighter to defeat Curtis. There are several ranked fighters on this card that are looking to be one step closer to contention. The fight between Askar Askarov and Kai Kara France is perhaps the best example of this as both fighters are on major win streaks and looking to solidify their status as contenders. The co-main is also looking to be one of the more exciting matchups on the card as Joanne Wood is always a game opponent and is looking to break her losing streak, her opponent Alexa Grasso is also a fighter to keep an eye out for as she is 3-1 in her last 4 and has beaten names like Maycee Barber, Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Ji Yeon Kim. Originally the card was supposed to be headlined by Jan Blachowicz vs Aleksandar Rackic, which had major title implications but that fell through due to Jan suffering an injury a few months back.

The lineup for the event is as follows

Main Card:

#4 Curtis Blaydes (15-3) vs #9 Chris Daukaus (12-4)

#7 Joanne Wood (15-7) vs #9 Alexa Grasso (13-3)

#2 Askar Askarovs (14-0-1) vs #6 Kai Kara France (23-9)

Bryan Barberena (16-8) vs Matt Brown (25-18)

Ilir Latifi (16-8) vs Aleksei Oleinik (59-16)

Marc Diakiese (14-5) vs. Viacheslav Borschev (6-1)

Prelims:

#4 Jennifer Maia (18-8-1) vs. #13 Manon Fiorot (8-1)

#9 Neil Magny(25-9) vs. Max Griffin (18-8)

#9 Sara McMann (12-6) vs. #12 Karol Rosa (15-3)