The UFC Announce Blanchfield vs. Santos, Smith vs. Spann 2, Font vs. Yadong, Cejudo vs. Vera, and Namajunas vs. Fiorot
While there haven't been many updates about the "Billionaire Brawl" between Zuckerberg and Musk (which was also added to Verdict MMA, so make sure you get your picks in), the UFC dropped myriad fight announcements throughout the day, stacking up cards with some massive fights. Let's take a look at every fight announcement delivered today.
UFC Singapore
The UFC has already announced they'd return to Singapore for a Featherweight banger. Max Holloway will take on "The Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung in a five-round main event. But that's not all; A big matchup in the Women's Flyweight division has been confirmed too. Taila Santos, who last fought in Singapore vs. Valentina Shevchenko, will face Erin Blanchfield, a fight many consider a title eliminator.
Also, a rematch in the Light-Heavyweight division has been confirmed too. Anthony Smith will face Ryan Spann, with the two previously facing each other in a main event in September 2020. Smith dominated most of the bout before finishing Spann with a rear-naked choke in the first round. However, Spann has racked up two victories since then, including a highlight reel KO over Dominick Reyes at UFC 281.
UFC 292
UFC 292 is shaping up to be a showcase of the elite Bantamweight division. The main event will see the Champion Aljamain Sterling attempt to make his fourth title defense vs. superstar and #2 ranked contender Sean O'Malley.
Also on the card, a firey Bantamweight matchup between Rob Font and Song Yadong has been confirmed, with both guys coming off highlight finish victories. Font faced rising prospect Adrian Yanez at UFC 287, KOing him in the first round. Yadong is also coming off a TKO victory, finishing Ricky Simon in the fifth round during his second UFC main event.
Another finalized matchup is Henry Cejudo vs. Marlon Vera, who are both coming off split-decision losses. Cejudo's was to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288, where he failed to capture the title after a three-year layoff. Vera's loss was against Cory Sandhagen. Both men will be looking to get back into the win column in this bout.
UFC Paris
The UFC will return to Paris on September 2nd, headlined by Ciryl Gane and Serghei Spivac. This information is familiar, but we did get some huge announcements for the card. Firstly, Rose Namajunas will return for the first time since her split-decision loss to Carla Esparza to face Frenchwoman Manon Fiorot. Namajunas has not fought in over a year and will move up a weight class for the first time in her professional career. Fiorot is ranked #2 in the Flyweight division, coming off the biggest win of her career at UFC 280, defeating Katlyn Chookagian via unanimous decision.
As you can see, the UFC matchmakers have been busy despite all the ongoing entrepreneurial drama. Which fight are you most looking forward to, and what are your predictions? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
