The updated UFC 207 fight card indicates a stacked night of fights for the end of the year event. What better time for Ronda Rousey to come back and attempt to reclaim her bantamweight title? Even though Rousey’s presence alone would be enough to sell out the arena, it appears we’ll have several big fights. Here are some of the announced fights for UFC 207:
Current UFC 207 Fight Card:
Amanda Nunes vs Ronda Rousey
After losing her bantamweight title, Ronda Rousey went on a short hiatus. Now, she’s coming back to reclaim her belt as UFC 207’s headliner. Standing across from her December 30th will be the newly crowned champion Amanda Nunes. “The Lioness” is fresh off a spectacular victory over Meisha Tate where she won the bantamweight title with a first round stoppage. Lots of questions surround Rousey and whether or not she will be prepared for Amanda Nunes after her embarrassingly one-sided defeat to Holly Holm. If there’s anybody that can come back and regain dominance though, it’s Ronda Rousey. I’m looking forward to this one!
Fabricio Werdum vs Cain Velasquez II
At UFC 188, Velasquez attempted to defend his heavyweight title against Werdum. He fell short, and was submitted by the Brazilian. Now, the two will meet again. This time, no belt is on the line since Werdum was KO’d by current champ Stipe Miocic. Since losing their heavyweight titles, both fighters earned wins over the same opponent – Travis Browne. Velasquez finished him spectacularly in the first round while Werdum defeated him with a sound decision. I’m very excited for this fight as the winner will arguably be next in line for Miocic’s heavyweight title.
Johny Hendricks vs Neil Magny
Based on the updated UFC 207 fight card, there will be a lot of fights in the welterweight division. Perhaps the most high-profile of these is Hendricks vs Magny. The former champ Hendricks is currently on a two-fight skid as he was stopped by Stephen Thompson earlier this year, and then decision’d by Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 200. Magny too is coming off a disappointing loss as he was TKO’d by Lorenz Larkin at UFC 202. The fight is a must-win for both fighters if they want a chance to stay relevant among the talented 170 lb weight class.
Tarec Saffiedine vs Matt Brown
Out of the recently updated UFC 207 fight card, I have to say that this matchup intrigues me the most. Matt Brown promises nothing but violence while Tarec Saffiedine promises a technical clinic. It’s an interesting matchup that features two opposites in the striking realm of MMA. Nevertheless, both fighters are in similar spots within the welterweight ladder. They’re both coming off losses, and are in must-win situations if they want to stay relevant – just like the Hendricks vs Magny fight. Saffiedine had some momentum until he was defeated by Rick Story. Meanwhile, Brown was recently smothered by Demian Maia and then upset by Jake Ellenberger. Both fighters have the potential to stay in the top 5, but just haven’t been able to get it done.
Tim Means vs Alex Oliveira
Here’s another welterweight match up that again promises some violence. Tim Means is a lot like Matt Brown, but just a bit lower on the welterweight totem pole. He draws “Cowboy” Oliveira who recently defeated Will Brooks at lightweight. Interestingly, Oliveira missed weight at lightweight badly, and is being forced up to welterweight where he is 3-1. Oliveira is a promising Brazilian fighter who is very well-rounded albeit a bit awkward and unorthodox in his movements. Means on the other hand is a sharp, durable striker who is on a two-fight winning streak with both wins being stoppages. This should be a good one that is likely to end in a finish.
Mike Pyle vs Alex Garcia
Long-time veteran Mike Pyle returns to his home-away-from-home in Las Vegas, Nevada. He takes on the 3-2 Dominican fighter, Alex Garcia. “Quicksand” has been out of action since being upset and knocked out by Alberto Mina in July. He’ll need an impressive performance here against Garcia to regain some momentum. Being that he’s nearing the edge of his career, a loss could bring him one step closer to retirement. Garcia is an explosive and dangerous grappler who could make this an interesting fight.
Brandon Thatch vs Sabah Homasi
Just a year and a half ago, Brandon Thatch was considered to be one of the biggest prospects in the welterweight division. He’s a huge 170 lb’er, and is an aggressive, powerful striker. He meets Sabah Homasi who just recenly lost his debut to Tim Means at UFC 202. On paper, this fight is guaranteed fireworks and both men come to bring it. That being said, Thatch is in desperate need of a win as he’s on a three-fight losing streak, and Homasi will be looking for his first UFC victory. Expect some desperation out of both men.
