T-Mobile Arena is preparing to host a PPV event that has fans around the world giddy with anticipation. This Saturday, we will see the return of the Middleweight and Featherweight Kings, as they prepare to once again defend their belts against the two hungry contenders and one who is an ex-champ. From top to bottom, this card is easily one of the best of the year as we have legendary fighters in both the early and regular prelims.
The reigning champs are currently preparing for their 4th (Izzy) and 3rd (Volk) title defence. For Izzy he gets to test new waters as this will be the first time since Paulo Costa that he faces someone who he hasn’t already beaten, he has dismantled and demolished all opposition en route to lapping the division. However, the challenger is one of the most explosive fighters that the champ has faced and has the power to put you out with his fists or elbows (ask Brunson). Cannonier is 5-1 since dropping to 185, but his last loss was to Robert Whittaker who lost to Izzy twice. Now we all know MMA math doesn’t make much sense but this fight could determine whether or not Israel stays put at 185 or moves up, should he dominate.
Volk has quickly gained popularity as one of the most dominant champions of his era. His incredible 21-win streak coupled with legendary performances like his last defence vs Ortega has garnered the attention of fans worldwide, the fact that he has also made his way into the mainstream pop culture has helped his fame and pay even more. This fight vs Max will be the 3rd and perhaps the last of the rivalry. Max lost his title to Volk as well as the immediate rematch but has been on a mission since losing out and is looking to bounce back in a big way.
Also featured on the PPV is a fight between two middleweight contenders who could easily be fighting for the title next with an impressive victory as Sean Strickland takes on the man most known for KOing Izzy in Alex Pereira. The first fight of the PPV will feature veteran Pedro Munhoz taking on rising star Sean O’Malley in what will be the American’s toughest ranked opponent since Chito Vera. Should Sean win, one would imagine talks of a bigger contract and higher-ranked opposition is incoming.
In the prelims, former WW champ Robbie Lawler will face off against Bryan Barberena who is coming off a FOTN performance vs Matt Brown. This fight has fireworks, explosions and a full-on blood bath written all over it. Undefeated Irishman Ian Garry is also looking to extend his run in the UFC and score his 10th victory as a pro. Also kicking off the prelims is Donald Cerrone who has been scheduled to fight in the last two events only to have his fight scrapped twice, he will fight another legend and UFC record holder for most wins in Jim Miller.
Main Card:
C. Israel Adesanya vs #2 Jared Cannonier
C. Alexander Volkanovski vs #1 Max Holloway
#4 Sean Strickland vs NR. Alex Pereira
#9 Pedro Munhoz vs #13 Sean O’Malley
Prelims:
#14 Brad Riddell vs Jailen Turner
Robbie Lawler vs Bryan Barberena
Ian Garry vs Gabriel Green
Jim Miller vs Donald Cerrone
Early Prelims:
#9 Uriah Hall vs #13 Andre Muniz
#10 Jessica Eye vs #13 Maycee Barber
Brad Tavarez vs Dricus Du Plessis
Jessica-Rose Clark vs Julia Stoliarenko
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