UFC announced the main events for UFC 285 (March 4th, in Vegas) and UFC 286 (March 18th, in London). Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane for the Heavyweight Championship at UFC 285 and Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman 3 for the Welterweight Championship at UFC 286. The Co-Main for 286 was also announced, Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev. This should be a very fun matchup as every Justin Gaethje fight is almost like a fight to the death at the Coliseum. Rafael Fiziev's Muay Thai abilities pose a very interesting threat to Gaethje. Even with all these fights announced, the biggest news of the weekend is that Francis Ngannou is a free agent.
After months of playing chicken with Francis Ngannou's contract, the UFC and Ngannou have decided that the Heavyweight Champion should relinquish the belt and part ways. Ngannou has been very expressive and outspoken about his pay being unfair for years. The UFC apparently decided that Ngannou is not a big enough star to pay and let box, like Conor McGregor. Francis is probably going to go into boxing as he has expressed interest in boxing, and boxing Tyson Fury. There are also rumors of Francis signing with the PFL. They don't come from nowhere either. Ngannou recently posted a picture on Instagram where his mother is seen wearing a PFL shirt. PFL also recently signed Jake Paul, who is still going to box. It would make a lot of sense for Francis to sign with PFL as they clearly allow their fighters to box. The PFL could really gain a ton of viewership with "The Predator" stepping inside the smart cage. I can already see the "PFL Predator" on the main event posters.
As for the UFC pay-per-views coming up, the timing is a little iffy with the announcements. UFC usually takes forever to announce their main events. Dana has been catching a lot of deserved heat about his recent domestic altercation with his wife. Did Dana announce all three of these MASSIVE fights to make the masses forget? Maybe, but we won't forget.
That said as a fight fan, I am stoked for UFC 285 and 286. Jon Jones is back! The last time we got to see Jon fight was against Dom Reyes in February of 2020. Jon won by a decision. Jon is the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the history of mixed martial arts. Jon has never lost, but he has also never fought in the Heavyweight division. He is on a quest to become "the baddest man on the planet" the UFC Heavyweight Champion. He is getting this opportunity against Ciryl Gane who is the number one-ranked Heavyweight in the UFC. Gane fought and lost to Ngannou in his last bout for the belt. Since then Gane has shown signs of resilience and improvements against Tai Tuivasa. Jon vs Gane is going to be historic!
As for UFC 286, there are two fights to look forward to! The last time Leon Edwards met Kamaru Usman, Leon dominated round one. Usman proceeded to dominate the next four and a half rounds, but in the last minute of the fight, Leon landed his home-run knock-out "Pound for pound, headshot dead" kick. In my personal opinion, I see Leon knocking Usman out, or submitting him before the third round. Leon was not used to that elevation in Utah and gassed himself out in the first round. Usman trains in Colorado, Usman is very used to elevation due to training. Usman also has an unbelievable gas tank regardless. Yet, Leon is just the better fighter. Leon will defend his championship at UFC 286, no doubt. This is a home fight for Leon in London. As for Gaethje vs Fiziev, it's going to be a hell of a fight. I see Fiziev winning via decision. Gaethje is one tough son of a gun, but Fiziev is a rising star and I believe we are going to see a changing of the guard in this Lightweight division very soon.
Tweet us @OpinionOctagon to let us know what card you're more excited about!
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