The UFC welterweight division continues to add new high-profile matchups. Only a couple of days after Rafael dos Anjos vs. Colby Covington was targeted for an interim name fight at UFC 224, two more great matchups have been booked. Here are my ideas on these two new primary events, as well as other bouts recently announced 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 most recent addition to the piled UFC 224 card. The event takes place Saturday, May 24 at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and this bout rumor was reported by Combate. Strickland (19-2) is a remarkable 6-2 from the UFC and is coming from a decision win over Court McGee. Dos Santos (18-5) is 4-1 at the UFC and has won”Battle of the Night” three times, such as in his decision win over Max Griffin in his final fight. Both men are excellent fighters that are continuously improving their matches and I expect a very close gaming lineup here.
Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Kamaru Usman, UFC Chile
A welterweight bout between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Kamaru Usman was formally declared by the UFC since 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 now riding a six-fight win streak, 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 last outing. Both guys are elite welterweights and this ought to be a great battle. Search for Usman to become favored heading into this battle as a result of his wrestling advantage.
Darren Till vs. Stephen Thompson, UFC Liverpool
A welterweight showdown involving Darren Till 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 the matchup. Until (16-0-1) is 4-0-1 in the UFC and pumped out Donald Cerrone in spectacular style 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 the hype is all behind Till right now so I think he’ll be favored, but I personally favor Thompson to win this battle and will be eyeing him as an underdog. I will be quite curuous to see how the public swings the odds for this one.
Dan Ige vs. Mike Santiago, UFC 225
And finally, a welterweight bout between Dan Ige and Mike Santiago is heading into UFC 225, which takes place Saturday, June 9 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The UFC affirmed the booking. Ige (8-2) recently made his UFC debut but missing a unanimous decison into Julio Arce. Santiago (20-11) has dropped both of his UFC struggles so far against Zabit Magomedshapirov and Mads Burnell. Neither fighter looks like they will stick around the Octagon for extended but I’d imagine Ige is a slight favourite heading into this one.
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