- George Chung
- Sep 3, 2024
- 7 min read
September isn't just about back-to-school season, autumn vibes, or the return of pumpkin spice—it marks the start of a thrilling final stretch in the UFC calendar! As the NFL kicks off, the Octagon heats up with pivotal matchups that could define the year. From the much-anticipated Noche UFC in Vegas to an epic return to Paris, the fight game is entering its most exciting phase.
September 7: UFC Fight Night - Burns vs. Brady
Felipe Dos Santos vs. Andre Lima
The flyweight division has been on fire lately, and this matchup between Felipe dos Santos and Andre Lima is poised to keep the momentum going. Dos Santos, a member of the renowned Chute Boxe Diego Lima team, burst onto the scene last September, pushing the highly-touted Manel Kape to the limit in a thrilling 15-minute war. Although he came up short, his performance left a lasting impression. He bounced back with a split decision victory over Victor Altamirano earlier this year, though it was an uneven performance that showed both his potential and areas for growth.
Andre Lima, on the other hand, made his mark with a victory on Dana White’s Contender Series, earning a spot on the UFC roster. However, his debut was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons—he was bitten by his opponent, Igor Severino, resulting in a disqualification win. In his most recent fight at UFC 302, Lima secured a controversial split decision win over Mitch Raposo in a bout many felt he clearly won. This fight is a crucial stepping stone for both men as they look to solidify their standing in the flyweight division, with the winner potentially moving closer to a top 15 ranking.
Jessica Andrade vs. Natalia Silva
In an all-Brazilian battle of top 10 flyweights, former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade takes on the surging Natalia Silva in what promises to be a high-stakes clash. Andrade, one of the most experienced female fighters on the UFC roster, returns to the 125-pound division after back-to-back wins at strawweight over Mackenzie Dern and Marina Rodriguez. Known for her power and relentless pressure, Andrade’s last outing at flyweight saw her stumble against Erin Blanchfield, but she remains a dangerous contender in both divisions.
Natalia Silva is on a tear, riding an 11-fight win streak, including five consecutive victories in the UFC. Silva's blend of speed, striking accuracy, and grappling has made her a rising star in the division. Her most recent win over Viviane Araujo showcased her ability to dominate fellow contenders, and now she faces her toughest test yet in Andrade. A win here could catapult Silva into title contention, while a victory for Andrade would reaffirm her place among the division’s elite as we head towards a pivotal time in the flyweight landscape.
Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady
The main event features a welterweight clash between top 10 contenders Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady, with both men looking to secure their place in the title conversation. Burns, a seasoned veteran and former title challenger, is coming off two consecutive losses, including a third-round stoppage at the hands of Jack Della Maddalena. At 38, “Durinho” is fighting to stay relevant in a division stacked with young, hungry contenders.
Sean Brady, 31, has been hampered by injuries, making just two appearances in the last two years. Despite the setbacks, Brady remains a formidable grappler, most recently submitting Kelvin Gastelum last December in a dominant performance. However, questions remain about his ability to stay healthy and maintain consistency. This fight is crucial for both men: Burns needs a win to remain in the upper echelon of the division, while Brady is looking to break into the top 5 and prove he’s a legitimate title contender.
September 14: UFC 306 - O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili
Irene Aldana vs. Norma Dumont
Bantamweight contenders Irene Aldana and Norma Dumont square off in a bout that could have significant implications for the division. Aldana, who challenged for the title in 2023, is known for her powerful striking and finishing ability, as evidenced by her stunning KO win over Ketlen Vieira. After a tough title fight loss, she rebounded with a come-from-behind victory over Karol Rosa, showcasing her resilience and determination.
Norma Dumont has quietly risen through the ranks, putting together a four-fight win streak that includes victories over Karol Rosa and Chelsea Chandler. Dumont’s Sanda background gives her a unique striking style, and her ability to control the pace of the fight has made her a tough matchup for anyone in the division. This fight is likely to be a stand-up war, with both women eager to make a statement and move closer to title contention in a division that’s set to see a lot of action in the coming months.
Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes
After being postponed earlier this year, Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes finally meet in a featherweight showdown that promises fireworks. Ortega, a two-time title challenger, made a triumphant return to the Octagon in February, submitting Yair Rodriguez in their rematch with a slick third-round guillotine. Known for his world-class jiu-jitsu and increasingly dangerous striking, Ortega remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
Diego Lopes, a rising star in the featherweight division, has quickly become one of the most exciting fighters on the roster. Since his short-notice debut loss to Movsar Evloev, Lopes has rattled off three straight finishes, showcasing his well-rounded skill set and killer instinct. With proper preparation this time, fans can expect a high-paced, action-packed bout with both fighters looking to secure a highlight-reel finish. A win for Ortega could propel him back into the title picture, while Lopes is eager to establish himself as a legitimate contender.
Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko III
The highly anticipated trilogy fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko will finally settle the score with the UFC flyweight title on the line. Their first two encounters were nothing short of spectacular. Grasso shocked the world in their first fight by capitalizing on a mistake from Shevchenko to secure a fourth-round submission and claim the title. Their rematch was equally dramatic, with Grasso surviving a tough battle and nearly finishing Shevchenko again in the final moments, resulting in a controversial split draw.
Now, with a year of anticipation and build-up, including their stint as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Shevchenko, one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, is determined to reclaim her title, while Grasso aims to prove that her victories were no fluke. Expect a tactical battle with moments of explosive action as these two elite fighters vie for supremacy in the flyweight division.
Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili
The main event of UFC 306 features a bantamweight title clash between “Suga” Sean O’Malley and the relentless Merab Dvalishvili. O’Malley, known for his flashy striking and charisma, captured the title with a stunning knockout of Aljamain Sterling and followed it up with a decisive win over Marlon “Chito” Vera, avenging his only career loss. His rise to the top has been nothing short of meteoric, and he’s become one of the UFC’s biggest stars.
Dvalishvili, meanwhile, has forced his way into this title shot through sheer determination and a suffocating wrestling style that has overwhelmed every opponent in his path. With 10 straight wins, including dominant performances against former champions like Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, and Henry Cejudo, Dvalishvili is a relentless force in the division. This fight is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, with O’Malley’s precision striking set against Dvalishvili’s grinding wrestling. The winner will not only walk away with the belt but could also shape the future of the bantamweight division.
September 28: UFC Fight Night - Moicano vs. Saint Denis
Nassourdine Imavov vs. Brendan Allen
Middleweight contenders Nassourdine Imavov and Brendan Allen collide in Paris, with both fighters looking to solidify their standing among the division’s elite. Imavov, born in Russia and based in Paris, has rebounded from a tough 2023 with two impressive victories this year, including a hard-fought win over Roman Dolidze and a finish of former title challenger Jared Cannonier. Imavov’s striking, combined with his grappling skills, makes him a tough matchup for anyone in the division.
Brendan Allen enters this fight on a seven-fight win streak, having avenged his previous loss to Chris Curtis with a split decision win earlier this year. Allen’s versatility and durability have made him a rising star, and a win here could position him for a title shot in the near future. This fight is likely to be a chess match, with both men capable of finishing the fight on the feet or the ground. The stakes are high as the winner will take a significant step towards middleweight contention.
William Gomis vs. Joanderson Brito
Featherweight prospects William Gomis and Joanderson Brito face off in what could be a breakout fight for both men. Gomis, a local favorite in Paris, has won three straight UFC fights, including a recent body kick knockout of Yanis Ghemmouri. His 11-fight win streak showcases his potential, but he faces a tough test in Brito.
Joanderson Brito, a product of Dana White’s Contender Series, has been on a tear since joining the UFC, with five straight victories, all by finish. His aggressive style and knockout power make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. This fight is likely to be a fast-paced, high-energy bout with both fighters looking to make a statement and break into the top 15 of the featherweight division.
Renato Moicano vs. Benoit Saint Denis
The final fight of the night in Paris features an all-action lightweight showdown between Renato Moicano and Benoit Saint Denis. Moicano, a veteran of the division, is on a three-fight win streak and has become known for his relentless style and willingness to take risks in the Octagon. His last five wins have all come at lightweight, where he seems to have found his groove.
Benoit Saint Denis, a former special forces soldier, has quickly become a fan favorite for his aggressive approach and finishing ability. After a tough loss to Dustin Poirier earlier this year, Saint Denis is eager to rebound in front of his home crowd. Both fighters are known for their finishing prowess, and this fight is unlikely to go the distance. Expect a high-octane battle with plenty of scrambles, submission attempts, and striking exchanges as these two finishers look to steal the show in Paris.
