[ad_1]
October has been a busy month for the UFC and now the real main event is here. While the last two Fight Nights have been a lot of fun, with some really great fights, UFC 254 is the real show. The next UFC pay-per-view is a loaded card spearheaded by two of the best in the sport.
Every time you get a chance to see an undefeated champion as dominant as Khabib Nurmagomedov, you have some television for everyone, especially when defending against the interim champion. Additionally, two of the best middleweights in the world face off and two heavyweight contenders are looking to take another step forward.
Let’s take a closer look at those three matches:
Heavyweight fight: Alexander Volkov vs Walt Harris
Two heavyweight contenders will be looking to get back on track after coming out of losses. Volkov has an impressive 31-8 record, but lost his most recent fight to Curtis Blaydes in June. Still, the experienced 31-year-old has great punching power, with 20 knockout wins. You probably want to use that power in this fight.
And speaking of knockout power, it’s rare that you find a fighter with 100% of his wins by knockout, but that’s exactly what Harris has done. While his record only sits at 13-8, all of those 13 have been impressive finishes. Most heavyweight fights feature two guys with a lot of power, but this will be a real test for two very powerful forwards.
My pick: Alexander Volkov via KO / TKO in the second round
Middleweight fight: Robert Whittaker vs. Jared Cannonier
While undefeated middleweight champion Israel Adesanya looked as dominant as ever in his most recent title defense, he will soon want to start preparing for his next opponent. That opponent is most likely the winner of this fight. Top middleweight contender, Whittaker is coming off a solid decision win over Darren Till. That followed his loss to Adesanya in 2019, so you know Whittaker is eager for another shot at the crown. The Aussie with a 21-5 record is a very well rounded fighter and will likely be willing to take this fight standing or on the ground.
On the other side of the cage will be the second ranked middleweight contender. Since moving down from light heavyweight, Cannonier has been dominant with a sum of three consecutive wins, each by knockout. The 26-year-old veteran is 13-4 with nine knockouts but also two appearances. He’s also likely willing to take the fight anywhere, but I would hope these two will hold some hands. This is the easy favorite for the fight of the night.
My Pick: Robert Whittaker via Decision
Lightweight Championship Fight: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje
Normally, I would open up my main event breakdown with an explanation of how much this fight means. However, what Khabib has accomplished in the UFC deserves additional attention, so here you go. The reigning lightweight champion boasts an almost incredible 28-0 record. Here’s a list of undefeated UFC champions: Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Here’s an all-time list of UFC fighters with at least 10 fights and a perfect record: Kamaru Usman and Khabib Nurmagomedov. A list of fighters with more than 20 takedowns in a single fight: Khabib Nurmagomedov. You get it.
Even with all that on his resume, interim champion Justin Gaethje cannot be ruled out. The fan favorite has been in some savage wars in the Octagon, but he’s been a lot more focused lately and the results prove it. Everyone counted Gaethje when he faced Tony Ferguson in May, but he shocked the world and knocked out the previously dominant lightweight contender. He may not be as dominant as the champion, but his 22-2 record shows that he is a more than capable challenger.
Khabib overwhelms his opponents with his suffocating grappling abilities. You will almost certainly be looking to employ that strategy here as well. The key for Gaethje will be keeping his distance and getting the champion to his feet and trade blows. If he can do that and fight Khabib’s takedowns, we could see a new champion. However, that’s a big ‘yes’.
My Pick: Khabib Nurmagomedov via Knockout / TKO Fourth Round
UFC 254 will take place on Saturday, October 24 at 2 PM ET. Fighting fans can ask for pay per event through ESPN + and receive a special offer: $ 84.98 for UFC 254 and an ESPN + annual plan. ESPN + subscribers can request pay-per-view for $ 64.99.
