After a two-fight card run inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, the mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion in the world Eighth He returns to Canada this weekend (Saturday, June 10, 2023) for UFC 289, which will take place inside Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. In the ESPN+– Pay-per-view (PPV) main event Amanda Nunes returns to action to defend her bantamweight belt against Mexican Irene Aldana. While most people would say this is one of the weakest PPVs in a long time, there are still some fun matches up and down the card, so before you get too low, let’s check out some random stories, anecdotes, and stats before showtime.
Back to the Great White North
The last time the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) visited Canada was about four years ago in 2019. Funnily enough, it also took place in Vancouver inside Rogers Stadium. Justin Gaethje knocked out Donald Cerrone in the main event (highlight of the hour), while Glover Teixeira defeated Nikita Krylov in the co-main event via split decision.
Switcheroo main event
Nunes vs. Aldana Kahn no The original main event of UFC 289. In fact, a three-way fight between Nunes and Julianna Pena was supposed to headline the UFC’s return to Canada; However, a Venezuelan rib injury caused the promotion for the up-and-coming Mexican artist to go knockouts (thank you, MMA Gods).
How long did the “lioness” last?
There is no doubt that Nunes is at the end of her illustrious Hall of Fame career. It seems like every fight could be her last, not because it slows down her skills. On the contrary, because she has nothing left to prove and everything to lose. Once you lose, fans will start denigrating everything you did – so why would you do that? She holds many records that aren’t going to be broken anytime soon and she will go down as the greatest female fighter of all time.
Make the championship weight
One thing to watch during UFC 289 Fight Week is Aldana and her downgrade to Bantamweight. She hasn’t gained championship weight, which is 135 pounds on point, since 2019. While she’s gained weight throughout her UFC career except once (which she missed against Yana Kunitskaya at UFC 264), the championship weight is different.
Just ask “Does the Bronx”.
However, check out Aldana’s last five weights:
Something to watch at UFC 289. Erin Aldana hasn’t made a bantamweight since 2020 and hasn’t made exactly 135 since 2019:
vs. Chiasun 137.5 (catchweight 140)
vs. Kunetskaya 139.5 (weight lost)
Opposite Holm 136
Versus Vieira 135.5
Against Milo 135– RJ Clifford (RJcliffordMMA) June 5, 2023
The main people event
Undoubtedly, UFC 289’s best – and most important – fight is Benel Darioch vs. Charles Oliveira. It’s a ridiculously fun fight between two entertaining fighters who always look to finish. Lightweights each have elite wrestling and knockout strength. The only thing missing is the five-round fight; However, there is a small chance that it will last the full 15 minutes. There are also important implications for the UFC 289 co-feature…
No. 1 contender fight
If Darvish beats Olivia at UFC 289, he will fight Islam Makhachev in Abu Dhabi. On UFC 289 media day, Dariush confirmed that the matchmakers told him that if he won, he would get his long-awaited (and much-deserved) title shot.
As for Oliveira, he’s in trouble. He lost the 155-pound title to Makhachev his last time at UFC 280 in dominant fashion (watch it), and while he’s a fan favorite, the rematch is meaningless. If the “Do Bronx” manages to beat Dariush, it’s likely that he needs to pick up another win before considering regaining his title.
Canada owns the “Do Bronx”
Canada hasn’t been kind to the former lightweight champion – the Brazilian doesn’t win (0-4) when he travels north of the US border. First, he suffered his first professional loss against Jim Miller in Montreal, Quebec, in 2010. After that, he was Cub Swanson kicked him out in Toronto, Ontario. Then Max Holloway finished “Do Bronx” in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, his first major event. Finally, Anthony Pettis used it in the exact same arena (watch it).
Did Oliveira finally win in Canada? Tune in on Saturday to find out.
Do not doubt Danny
Dan Egg snapped the worst losing streak of his career in his final match, knocking out Damon Jackson (a highlight to watch). Almost everyone counted on Eiji in that battle and he silenced them all. And the same thing happened against Gavin Tucker. Ige was coming off his second loss in the UFC against Calvin Katter, and everyone was hyping Tucker as the next prospect… Ige made him pay by pinning him in 22 seconds (highlight to watch).
His fight at UFC 289 with Nate Landwehr appears to be very similar for these two scenarios. Landwehr’s all-time stock and is just one win away from the top 15 rankings. So, don’t be surprised if Egg gets out there and sparks the “train” in Canada.
Oh Boy has a new fight camp
Because of some political drama and behind the scenes, Eryk Anders has to leave his longtime camp, Fight Ready, which is located in Arizona. Fortunately for the former college linebacker, he didn’t have to travel far; In fact, his new camp is located in the same state, only a few towns left. Anders is now training at the MMA Lab with John Crouch. He faces Marc-André Bariault.
Eric Nixic France
Xtreme Couture trainer Eric Nexic will be looking to keep his grip on France alive this weekend. He’s perfect (2-0) against French MMA factory trainer, Fernand Lopez. He defeated him first at UFC 270 when Francis Ngannou beat Cyril Jean by unanimous decision, then just a year later he defeated Shawn Strickland Nasordin Imamov on a week’s notice.
Chris Curtis will also be seeking a win over Nasiruddin Imamov at UFC 289 and put Nyxic 3-0 over Lopez.
The ‘AstroBoy’ lands in the UFC
Finally, Steve Erceg made his Octagon debut this weekend, but it’s been a journey of ups and downs getting here. He was supposed to compete in the Australian flyweight Rivals Series in 2022; However, visa issues forced the cancellation. After sitting on the sidelines for eight months, Erceg returned to the regional scene to headline Eternal MMA 73. After his first round finish back on the regional scene, the UFC signed “Astro Boy” directly. He was scheduled to fight Clayton Carpenter last month, but it was cancelled, forcing a cancellation once again.
Finally, he made his UFC debut at UFC 289, taking out a top 10 contender right out of the gate. He faces No. 10 seed David Dvorak.
UFC 289’s Sausage
Obviously a co-main event would be the correct answer for what a “Banger of the Card” is, but I wouldn’t go that way. I’m picking another main card bout for the PPV: Mike Malott vs. Adam Fugit.
Malott holds a 100 percent finish rate with nine first-round rounds, while Fugitt has finished all but one of his fights (mostly via knockout). Is this a PPV-worthy fight? Heck no, but he’s going to be pretty violent as long as he lasts.
Canadians in Canada
There are six Canadians at UFC 289.
Winners and losers
Fifteen fighters achieve victories, while seven lose losses.
multisection
Here are the sections that will be featured on Saturday:
- Two middleweight fights
- One weight fight
- One fights lightweight
- Two featherweight fights
- Single bantamweight fights
- One man fight at flyweight
- Women’s bantamweight fight
- One woman fight at flyweight
- One woman fight at strawweight
beta dog
according to KingsThe “biggest” underdog at UFC 289 is Aldana +265.
Remember that MMAmania.com It will provide comprehensive and explosive live coverage of the entire UFC 289 fight card herestarting early ESPN+ Online “Prelims” matches, which are set to start at 7 p.m. ET, then the remaining undercard on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 PM ET, prior to the PPV main card’s 10 PM ET start time ESPN+ PPV.
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