The UFC welterweight division continues to add new high profile matchups. Just a few days later Rafael dos Anjos vs. Colby Covington was targeted at an interim title fight at UFC 224, two great matchups are booked. Here are my ideas on those two new primary events, in addition to 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” 3 times, such as in his conclusion win over Max Griffin in his final fight. Both guys are excellent fighters who are continuously improving their matches and that I expect a very close betting line here.
Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Kamaru Usman, UFC Chile
A welterweight bout between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Kamaru Usman has been formally announced by the UFC since the headliner of UFC Fight Night 129, which takes place Saturday, May 19 at Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile. Ponzinibbio (26-3) is 8-2 at the UFC and is now riding a six-fight win series, with a decision win over Mike Perry his last time out. Usman (12-1) is a perfect 7-0 at the UFC and defeated Emil Weber Meek in his final outing. Both men are elite welterweights and this should be a great fight. Look for Usman to be favored heading into this fight due to 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 at Echo Arena in Liverpool, England. BJPenn.com reported that the matchup. Until (16-0-1) is 4-0-1 at the UFC and pumped out Donald Cerrone in spectacular style in his final 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 behind Till right now so that I think he will be preferred, however I personally prefer Thompson to win this fight and will be eyeing him as an underdog. I’ll be very curuous to see how the public swings the odds with this one.
Dan Ige vs. Mike Santiago, UFC 225
And finally, a welterweight bout between Dan Ige and Mike Santiago is going into 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 into Julio Arce. Santiago (20-11) has lost both of his UFC fights so far from Zabit Magomedshapirov and Mads Burnell. Neither fighter looks like they’ll stay around the Octagon for long but I’d envision Ige is a slight favourite heading into this one.
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