UFC and Huge Fights

Boxing struggles to increase its number of fans. That’s not true when it comes to mixed martial arts (MMA). UFC just continues to grab the headlines, and that continues to be the case as the organization just won’t stop when it comes to bouts that are elite. 

It seems every major event UFC hosts is a success, and that is going to be the case moving forward as well. UFC 288 goes Saturday, May 6th, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Here’s the schedule, according to UFC 288 odds.

There are a number of rising stars trying to make a name in the sport, and also some big stars trying to keep their crowns.

Here is a look at three big UFC fight announcements, and what could take place in each. 

UFC Returning to London

UFC hasn’t had any trouble scheduling international events in the past. That’s the case again. UFC will be taking the show to London July 22nd.

This will be a pretty quick return to London. There was also a big event held there in March. President Dana White made this announcement earlier this week, and he plans to have a number of big bouts on the card. 

The last event held in the English capital was exciting, as Leon Edwards protected his belt by defeating Kamaru Usman via decision. In the weeks ahead of this event, White and UFC should start to announce the pairings. There will also be more information coming out. 

There’s a New Main Event at Fight Night

UFC’s next Fight Night is slated to take place Apr. 29th in Las Vegas, with Song Yadong and Ricky Simon moved to the main event slot. Simon (-120) is the choice over Yadong (-110), as per UFC odds.

UFC was in need of a new marquee bout after Renato Moicano’s undisclosed injury led to his bowing out, this without a replacement. That also means Arman Tsaruykan does not have a fight, and thus a chance at going after a belt. 

This will be a bantamweight bout between Yadong and Simon, now a headliner despite not being a title fight. Both fighters are rising stars in UFC, and the winner could be on a trajectory to get a shot at a title at some point. 

Simon’s lost just three times in his career, and he has also been able to rattle off five wins in a row. Yadong suffered a TKO loss in his last battle, but has been pegged as one of the better fighters in this class. 

May Will Feature Big Fight Night

Dana White also made another big announcement concerning a Fight Night set to take place in May. The bantamweight women’s division is in need of a top contender ahead of that card. 

It will be Raquel Pennington taking on Irene Aldana May 20th in the main event on that Fight Night program. This is a rematch between the two fighters, and a first meeting since 2019. 

Amanda Nunes is currently the top bantamweight fighter in the world, and UFC is trying to find a new challenger. Pennington and Aldana are both currently in the top-six in the rankings, with the winner probably earning a shot at that title. The loser is also going to get marquee bouts as well.