Revealed on 17 Dec 2022 2:12 am (UK Time)
After defeating Derek Brunson in spectacular vogue at UFC 271, Jared Cannonier boldly declared that he needs to be subsequent in line for a title shot in opposition to reigning Middleweight Champion, Israel Adesanya. Nonetheless, Cannonier’s try to turn into the champion resulted in a unanimous resolution defeat at UFC 276. Now, he’ll try to bounce again in opposition to fellow middleweight title contender Sean Strickland at UFC Vegas 66. There’s so much to unpack right here; with out additional ado, let’s get into it!
Cannonier vs. Strickland
From November of 2018 by February of 2022, Jared Cannonier received 5 out of his six fights and skilled probably the most spectacular string of performances of his profession. This led to his showdown with Israel Adesanya in July. Whereas Cannonier didn’t emerge on the suitable facet of that call, issues within the middleweight division have modified so much since that night time. Adesanya is now not the champion, and the brand new titleholder, Alex Pereira, is a person who wins fights on sheer energy versus technical talent. If Cannonier is ready to get one other shot on the crown, he might have a greater likelihood in opposition to Pereira who shouldn’t be practically the tactician that Adesanya is.
Sean Strickland is aware of all too properly the unimaginable energy that Alex Pereira possesses. He misplaced to him through first spherical knockout at UFC 276 in July of this yr. Main as much as that struggle, Strickland had amassed six consecutive victories and his identify was being talked about as a possible dance accomplice contained in the octagon for Israel Adesanya, the reigning champion. Now, Strickland should regather and try to turn into the title contender he was earlier than his brutal defeat. Cannonier and Strickland will cease at nothing to show they’re nonetheless among the many elite within the middleweight division. You received’t need to miss it!
Tsarukyan vs. Ismagulov
26-year-old Arman Tsarukyan is ranked ninth within the UFC’s light-weight division. In some other weight class, an athlete who’s clearly in his bodily prime and solely has three losses in an expert profession that spans seven years could be a high 5 fighter. Nonetheless, being within the light-weight division is each a present and a curse. It’s a present within the reality that it’s the most intently watched division as a result of immense degree of expertise; it’s a curse in the truth that it’s tough to climb the rankings or get a title shot as a result of immense degree of expertise.
After three profitable title defenses of the M-1 International light-weight championship, Damir Ismagulov was referred to as upon to hitch the world’s most famous combined martial arts group. Since that point, he has gone undefeated within the UFC and presently ranks twelfth within the light-weight division. He has a Grasp of Sport in Military Hand to Hand fight, which implies he’s positively not the form of man you need to get in a bodily altercation with except you’re a skilled skilled. He is among the few ranked fighters who has by no means participated in a pay-per-view occasion, but when he performs properly at UFC Vegas 66, that would change within the close to future. Tsarukyan and Ismagulov are certain to placed on a present on Saturday night time. Make certain to tune in!
Albazi vs. Costa
Flyweight challenger Amir Albazi is undefeated in his three UFC appearances. Nonetheless, complaints from the group’s higher administration don’t stem from his performances, however relatively from his inactivity. Albazi fought as soon as in 2020 and 2021, and his upcoming struggle on Saturday marks the primary time he has competed twice in the identical calendar yr. At 29-years-old, he is a good prospect in his bodily prime, however it’s time to present the world he’s severe about turning into a champion.
26-year-old Brazilian Alessandro Costa will make his UFC debut on Saturday night time. After spending most of his profession on regional circuits all through South America, Costa has solely two profession losses. A formidable exhibiting at Dana White’s contender sequence in July of this yr made the best way for his invitation to carry out at an official occasion, and followers can make certain that Costa will take advantage of the chance. These two athletes are within the prime of their careers; sparks are certain to fly once they meet in the course of the octagon. You received’t need to miss it!
Caceres vs. Erosa
34-year-old featherweight Alex Carceres has received 5 out of his final six fights. 33 year-old Julian Erosa has received six out of his final seven. Erosa has a 4 inch peak benefit over Carceres. Nonetheless Carceres has been an expert fighter since 2008 and is used to combating males who’re taller than he’s. Neither certainly one of these artful veterans are presently ranked within the division, however that received’t imply a factor as soon as they meet within the heart of the octagon. Carceres and Erosa are two of probably the most skilled and ready fighters within the sport; you should definitely tune in to witness all the motion!
Dober vs. Inexperienced
Drew Dober is within the midst of a two-fight win streak, whereas Bobby Inexperienced has misplaced three out of his final 5 appearances contained in the octagon. Every of those males has been an expert for properly over a decade and each made names for themselves in regional circuits earlier than becoming a member of the UFC. At this level of their careers, they struggle for respect and the love of the game. Realistically, males of their mid-thirties who’re unranked will not be going to catapult to stardom within the packed light-weight division. Nonetheless, Dober and Inexperienced will you should definitely stage a struggle to recollect on Saturday night time. You should definitely tune in!
Brundage vs. Oleksiejczuk
Middleweight prospect Cody Brundage is undefeated by two fights in 2022, and desperately desires to spice up this yr’s document to “three and owe.” His upcoming opponent, Michal Oleksiejczuk, has one win and one loss on the yr and needs to make sure that 2022 shouldn’t be remembered as a shedding marketing campaign. At 28 and 27-years-old respectively, Brundage and Oleksiejczuk are every of their bodily prime. Each males know that now could be the time to make a transfer within the middleweight division; the newly topped champion doesn’t possess the aura of invincibility that his predecessor loved. Followers can make certain that every fighter is aware of what’s at stake and can do every part inside their energy to spice up their profile inside their weight class on Saturday night time!
Learn how to watch
UFC Vegas 66 may be considered on BT Sport in the UK and on ESPN Plus in america. As at all times, we’ll have all the most recent updates concerning the outcomes of the fights, in addition to in depth evaluation, accessible proper right here at World in Sport!
