The octagon returns to New York for the third time this calendar year and in turn, debuts at the recently renovated Nassau Coliseum bringing no less than thirteen fights, including New York native Chris Weidman, looking to return to form as he takes on Kelvin Gastelum.
The rest of the fight card doesn’t particularly stand out as a night to remember with the card struggling to attract star quality with UFC 213 and UFC 214 in such close proximity. UK fight fans can catch the card from the usual eye watering time of 01:00 on Sunday morning.
But, this card is the only thing that stands in the way between our fight-loving selves and three title fights alongside an incredible line up at UFC 214 next weekend. Let’s enjoy it!
Jimmie Rivera vs. Thomas Almeida
Jimmie Rivera is on an incredible nineteen fight winning streak and finds himself in a great spot in the bantamweight division having recent victories over Iuri Alcantara and the legendary Urijah Faber. The former CFFC and Ring of Combat bantamweight king will look to secure a fight in the upper echelons of the division with a victory.
Brazilian Thomas Almeida does share one thing in common with Jimmie Rivera, and that is that both men have just one blemish on each of their records despite having forty-four professional bouts between them. Almeida’s sole loss came to the reigning UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt, which isn’t too much of a disappointment! All of Almeida’s six octagon outings have earned either a fight or the night or a performance of the night bonus. Things could get exciting!
Damian Grabowski vs. Chase Sherman
Polish heavyweight Damian Grabowski will look to avoid losing his place in the UFC after losing his opening two bouts since signing for the promotion. Grabowski has been knocked out twice inside the first round by Derrick Lewis and Anthony Hamilton and will have to step up the pace in New York.
His opponent, Chase Sherman is becoming more well known for his array of GIFs posted on Twitter. He also lost his first two bouts in the UFC before stopping Rashad Coulter just over two months ago with some stunning elbows, earning the $50k fight of the night bonus in the process.
Both men have sheer knockout power. It could be an early night for one of these two heavyweights.
Chris Weidman vs. Kelvin Gastelum
A little over four years ago, Chris Weidman was an unbeaten prospect faced with the challenge of taking on Anderson Silva for the middleweight title. People didn’t give him a chance, but the American caught Silva and put him out cold in the second round, much to the shock of the crowd. He then went and beat Silva again on his road to defeating the Brazilian middleweight’s in Lyoto Machida and Vitor Belfort.
Fast forward and Weidman is staring at the prospect of losing four straight bouts inside the octagon. After losing his belt to Luke Rockhold, losing to a flying knee by Yoel Romero before a controversial knock out defeat to Gegard Mousasi leaves his career stagnant.
He’s facing a man who is no stranger to upsetting the odds in Kelvin Gastelum. The Californian native faced the shame of being the last fighter to be selected on the Ultimate Fighter (think of being picked last at football!) before going on to win the show!
He has since amassed an 8-2 record inside the octagon and recently defeated former champion Johny Hendricks as well as Tim Kennedy. Gastelum has spoken of returning to welterweight, which he was forced to move up a weight class after missing weight on several occasions.
With Weidman ranked at #5 and Gastelum at #8, this is a main event that leaves both men’s careers in limbo, with a defeat for Weidman catastrophic whilst a defeat for Gastelum will leave him re-evaluating his future at 185 pounds.
