The first UFC pay-per-view of the year is finally here. UFC 283 is the first big event since December tenth, when the Light Heavyweight Championship bout ended in a draw leaving the title vacated. At UFC 283 we are most likely going to be getting closure on the story of the Light Heavyweight title. Future Hall of Famer, Glover Teixeira faces rising star Jamahal "Sweet Dreams" Hill. Glover has actually played a major role in this Light Heavyweight drama. The original main event of UFC 282 was Jiri Prochazka (c) vs Glover. We all know about Jiri's shoulder and how he had to vacate the title, but this caused Glover to lose that original shot. Luckily for Glover, Ankalaev and Blachowicz "tied" and he gets to fight in his home country, Brazil. However, unfortunately for Glover, he has to fight Jamahal Hill. They don't call Jamahal "Sweet Dreams" for nothing, he'll knock your lights out. Jamahal has seven knockouts in the UFC, he's eleven-and-one. His one loss is to Paul Craig at UFC 263, when the Bearjew had to break Jamahal's arm to get the victory. The main event tomorrow night is going to be super exciting, I just don't wanna see Glover get hurt. Who doesn't love Glover?
The co-main event is just as exciting as the main event and was the original main event of UFC 283 before the Light Heavyweight Draw to end the year. The Interim Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno vs the Flyweight Champ Deiveson Figueiredo 4. The first fight between these two warriors ended in a draw and Figgy remained the champion. In the second fight, Moreno won via submission and claimed the belt, and became the first-ever Mexican-born UFC Champion. What a moment that was, actually in the building for that was extremely special. When Moreno began speaking Spanish on the microphone and said "Si Se Puede!" Meaning, you can do it. It was a very emotional moment at the Gilla River Arena, as the arena was full of Mexican flags waving in support of Moreno. The third fight was another exciting fight, but Figgy clearly earned the belt back in a decision. Figgy's last three fights have been against Brandon Moreno. However, Brandon Moreno earned the Interim Championship against Kai-Kara France last summer. Moreno and Figueiredo will have one final fight for all the marbles in Brazil. A home fight for Figgy, but on Ariel Helwani's podcast Moreno said he's fought in Brazil and has had a lot of crowd support. Moreno also recently had to change coaches since his former coach, Jimmy Krause, was banned from the UFC for gambling on fights.
Gilbert Burns vs anyone is always going to be an exciting fight, but against Neil Magny, all I have to say is don't blink. This fight is going to be a banger. Neil Magny has had a very up-and-down career, but he hasn't fought Gilbert Burns yet and for Magny win or lose this is one fight he wants on his long resume. Obviously, Magny wants the win. His ultimate goal is to fight Khamzat Chimaev. Gilbert Burns happens to be the only man to ever take Khamzat to a decision. Many will even argue Gilbert beat Chimaev. I don't know about all that, but I do know Burns is as tough as nails. I am definitely looking forward to this one.
As for the rest of the card, there are a ton of exciting fights. Paul "Bearjew" Craig vs Brazil's very own Johnny Walker. Johnny Walker has been climbing the Light Heavyweight rankings as he is currently ranked twelfth. Craig beat Jamahal Hill, while Walker lost to Jamahal Hill. That probably doesn't mean anything, but it is worth noting. Jessica Andrade vs Lauren Murphy could be a fun women's Flyweight as well. Good for Andrade, getting to fight in front of a home crowd. Some prelims to keep an eye on include Gregory Rodrigues vs Brunno Ferreira, Shamil Abdurakhimov vs Jailton Almeida, and Warlley Alves vs Terrance McKinney. These three fights all have don't blink vibes written all over them. Rodrigues's last fight was a blood bath, Abdurakhimov and Almeida are both rising stars in the Heavyweight division which means someone's going to sleep, and McKinney fights are always battles. We are in for a show from top to bottom tomorrow!
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