The UFC welterweight division continues to incorporate new high profile matchups. Just a few days after Rafael dos Anjos vs. Colby Covington was targeted for an interim name fight at UFC 224, two more great matchups are booked. Here are my ideas on these two new main events, as well as other bouts recently declared by the UFC, listed in chronological order.
Sean Strickland vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, UFC 224
A welterweight bout between Sean Strickland and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos is the latest addition to the piled UFC 224 card. The event takes place Saturday, May 24 in Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and this bout rumor premiered by Combate. Strickland (19-2) is a remarkable 6-2 in the UFC and is coming from a decision win over Court McGee. Dos Santos (18-5) is 4-1 in the UFC and has won”Fight of the Night” 3 occasions, including in his decision win over Max Griffin in his final struggle. Both men are excellent fighters who are continuously improving their games and that I anticipate a very close gaming lineup here.
Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Kamaru Usman, UFC Chile
A welterweight bout between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Kamaru Usman was officially declared by the UFC as the headliner of UFC Fight Night 129, which takes place Saturday, May 19 in Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile. Ponzinibbio (26-3) is 8-2 at the UFC and is currently riding a six-fight win series, with a decision win over Mike Perry his out time. Usman (12-1) is a perfect 7-0 in the UFC and defeated Emil Weber Meek in his final outing. Both men are elite welterweights and this should be a great battle. Look for Usman to become preferred heading into this fight as a result of his wrestling edge.
Darren Till vs. Stephen Thompson, UFC Liverpool
A welterweight showdown between Darren Until and Stephen Thompson is expected to headline UFC Fight Night 130, which takes place Sunday, May 27 in Echo Arena in Liverpool, England. BJPenn.com reported that the matchup. Till (16-0-1) is 4-0-1 at the UFC and knocked out Donald Cerrone in spectacular fashion in his last struggle. Thompson (14-2-1) is 9-2-1 in the UFC and is coming from a unanimous decision win over Jorge Masvidal. This is 1 hell of a matchup between two of the welterweight division’s elite strikers. All of the hype is all behind Till right now so that I think he’ll be favored, however I personally favor Thompson to win this battle and will be eyeing him as an underdog. I’ll be quite curuous to see the way the people swings the odds for this one.
Dan Ige vs. Mike Santiago, UFC 225
And lastly, a welterweight bout between Dan Ige and Mike Santiago is heading to UFC 225, which takes place Saturday, June 9 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The UFC affirmed the reservation. Ige (8-2) recently made his UFC debut but lost a unanimous decison to Julio Arce. Santiago (20-11) has dropped both of his UFC fights so far against Zabit Magomedshapirov and Mads Burnell. Neither fighter seems like they’ll stick around the Octagon for long but I’d envision Ige is a slight favourite heading into this one.
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