The UFC welterweight division continues to add new high-profile matchups. Only a couple of days after Rafael dos Anjos vs. Colby Covington was targeted at an interim title fight at UFC 224, two great matchups have been booked. Here are my thoughts on those two new primary events, as well as other bouts recently announced by the UFC, listed in chronological order.
Sean Strickland vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, UFC 224
A welterweight bout between Sean Strickland and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos is the latest addition to the piled UFC 224 card. The event takes place Saturday, May 24 in Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and this bout rumor was reported by Combate. Strickland (19-2) is an impressive 6-2 from the UFC and is coming off of a decision win over Court McGee. Dos Santos (18-5) is 4-1 at the UFC and has won”Fight of the Night” 3 times, such as in his decision win over Max Griffin in his last struggle. Both guys are excellent fighters that are continuously improving their matches and that I anticipate a very close betting line here.
Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Kamaru Usman, UFC Chile
A welterweight bout between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Kamaru Usman was officially declared by the UFC since the headliner of UFC Fight Night 129, which takes place Saturday, May 19 in Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile. Ponzinibbio (26-3) is 8-2 in the UFC and is now riding a six-fight win streak, with a decision win over Mike Perry his last time out. Usman (12-1) is a perfect 7-0 at the UFC and defeated Emil Weber Meek in his last outing. Both guys are elite welterweights and this should be a great battle. Search for Usman to be favored heading into this fight as a result of his wrestling advantage.
Darren Till vs. Stephen Thompson, UFC Liverpool
A welterweight showdown involving Darren Until and Stephen Thompson is expected to headline UFC Fight Night 130, which takes place Sunday, May 27 at Echo Arena at Liverpool, England. BJPenn.com reported the matchup. Till (16-0-1) is 4-0-1 in the UFC and pumped out Donald Cerrone in spectacular fashion in his final struggle. Thompson (14-2-1) is 9-2-1 from the UFC and is coming off of a unanimous decision win over Jorge Masvidal. This is one hell of a matchup between two of the welterweight division’s elite strikers. All of the hype is all behind Till right now so that I think he will be favored, but I personally favor Thompson to win this fight and will be eyeing him as an underdog. I will be very curuous to view the way the public swings the odds with this one.
Dan Ige vs. Mike Santiago, UFC 225
And lastly, a welterweight bout between Dan Ige and Mike Santiago is heading to UFC 225, that takes place Saturday, June 9 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The UFC confirmed the reservation. Ige (8-2) recently made his UFC debut but missing a unanimous decison to Julio Arce. Santiago (20-11) has lost both of his UFC struggles so far from Zabit Magomedshapirov and Mads Burnell. Neither fighter looks like they’ll stick around the Octagon for extended but I’d envision Ige is a slight favorite heading into this one.
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