It’s not often that you see a champion must defend a title against someone not many people know about. Unfortunately for the flyweight champion, there is no clear number one contender, so he is giving a Cinderella opportunity to someone who has not been on the UFC roster for more than a year. All for the opportunity to headline a Pay-Per-View in front of his home country of Brazil.Â
COLUMN: FIGHTER'S BLOCK
All of your mixed martial arts and full-contact combat sports news on the world's best fighters and the most intriguing matchups from your favorite MMA experts.
Mayes brings in a good chunk of experience at the UFC level and an all-around game that most heavyweights are unable to showcase. However, that usually is not enough for him to get over the hump as he now is 3-4 with the promotion and has become one of the most inconsistent performers at this level. Sometimes he has big power, sometimes he can’t knockout a fly. Sometimes he has smothering top pressure with his wrestling, sometimes he can’t sniff a takedown.
Boy was it great to have a weekend off after the historic UFC 300, all MMA fans needed it after coming off such a high. The highlight-reel knockout from Alex Pereira and what could go down as the most iconic moment in UFC history with Max Holloway knocking out Justin Gaethje in dramatic fashion, UFC 300 absolutely delivered.
Coming off a devastating knockout of Bobby Green back in December, Turner is looking to get some momentum going and showcase his full potential. He is a nasty striker from distance who can produce big power while sniping his opponents. Grappling would be his weak spot, but he is slowly improving that aspect of his game on a fight-by-fight basis.
This big one is finally here. Two legitimate title fights and another novelty belt on the line to determine who the next BMF is, the UFC has done their best to bedazzle UFC 300 and I think they did the best they could. With their biggest stars in Conor McGregor and Sean O’Malley unable to make the date, they turn to one of their next biggest stars and putting him up against the next fighter in line for his title.
Looking to bounce back from her first professional defeat, Rodriguez brings in a stinging striking game and a solid coaching staff. She had some solid performances through her first two UFC bouts, but her flaw may have been discovered by Gillian Robertson in her last fight.
Next weekend is the big UFC 300 card, but the UFC is first headed to the Apex to provide an appetizer. The main event sees a middleweight rematch of a fight that took place back in December 2021 where the big underdog was able to pull off the upset.Â
Coming into the UFC after a dominant contract-winning performance on the Contender Series, Aslan brings a resume of destruction to the UFC. He has gone out and finished all 12 of his wins by knockout with all but one coming in the first round. Explosive striking, big power, and fast hands is what you can expect from this monster.
Will Blanchfield show out in her neck of the woods? Or will Fiorot spoil her plans and strike her way to victory? Read on to see how I think this intriguing stylistic clash will shake out and if there are any notable money-making opportunities.