Coming off the back of a blockbuster UFC 272 pay-per-view last weekend, we’re heading back to the Octagon this weekend for UFC Fight Night 203. The main event is a high-quality light heavyweight clash between the 5th and 6th-ranked fighters in the division. Former UFC title challenger Thiago Santos faces 16-1 phenom Magomed Ankalaev in an exciting main event.
The undercard features former UFC Bantamweight Championship challenger Marlon Moraes against in-form Song Yadong. There’s action in the featherweight division, as Alex Caceres meets Nigeria’s Sodiq Yusuff. Popular veteran Drew Dober, coming off a Fight of the Night with Brad Riddell, takes on Terrance McKinney.
Here’s everything you need to know about an intriguing Saturday night in the cage.
Where: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
When: Saturday 12th March, 10pm UK time
How to watch: BT Sport 1
Tale of the Tape:
Santos
Place Of Birth: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Age: 38
Alias: Marreta
Record: 22-9 (16 finishes)
Height: 6’2’’
Reach: 76’’
Last Fight: Santos scored a unanimous decision over fellow Brazilian Johnny Walker last time out. The victory snapped a three-fight losing streak for the light heavyweight veteran, and set him up for this headline attraction.
Ankalaev
Place Of Birth: Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia
Age: 29
Record: 16-1 (9 finishes)
Height: 6’3’’
Reach: 75’’
Last Fight: Ankalaev scored an impressive decision over Swiss star Volkan Oezdemir in his last outing. Oezdemir is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Championship challenger who has been in with some of the division’s greatest names. That win could prove to be a huge springboard for the 29-year-old, especially if he can add to it against Santos.
What They Say:
Santos
“If I win this fight, it’s going to put me so close to the next title fight. Maybe one more fight or maybe I go straight to the title shot, you never know.” [MMA Junkie]
Ankalaev
“We’re moving forward slowly, but confidently. The road to the belt is always tough, but that is what separates champions from average fighters.” [UFC Official Website]
Full Card:
Thiago Santos vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Marlon Moraes vs. Song Yadong
Sodiq Yusuff vs. Alex Caceres
Khalil Rountree Jr. vs. Karl Roberson
Drew Dober vs. Terrance McKinney
Alex Pereira vs. Bruno Silva
Matthew Semelsberger vs. A.J. Fletcher
JJ Aldrich vs. Gillian Robertson
Trevin Jones vs. Javid Basharat
Damon Jackson vs. Kamuela Kirk
Sabina Mazo vs. Miranda Maverick
Dalcha Lungiambula vs. Cody Brundage
Guido Cannetti vs. Kris Moutinho
Tafon Nchukwi vs. Azamat Murzakanov
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
