This weekend, the UFC returns to its home base at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, headlined by a featherweight showdown between Edson Barboza and Lerone Murphy. Alongside the main event, the card features a robust lineup of bouts with emerging talents and intriguing matchups.
Main Event Breakdown: Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy
In the spotlight, veteran striker Edson Barboza, known for one of the toughest schedules in UFC history, faces off against undefeated British fighter Lerone Murphy. Barboza aims to build on his recent victories, including a notable comeback win over Sodiq Yusuff. Murphy, making his main event debut, brings a stellar 13-0-1 record, hoping to ascend the featherweight ranks with a victory here.
Co-Main Event: Khaos Williams vs. Carlston Harris
The co-main event features welterweights Khaos Williams and Carlston Harris, both aiming to climb higher in the division. Williams, known for his striking power, looks to overcome recent mixed results, while Harris, coming off a win via anaconda choke, seeks to continue his successful run in the UFC.
Additional Main Card Highlights
Themba Gorimbo vs. Ramiz Brahimaj: Welterweights clash with Gorimbo aiming to extend his winning streak and Brahimaj returning from a lengthy absence due to injury.
Adrian Yanez vs. Vinicius Salvador: Bantamweights Yanez and Salvador, both Dana White's Contender Series alumni, aim to rebound from recent setbacks in a crucial bout.
Luana Pinheiro vs. Angela Hill: Ranked strawweights battle, with Pinheiro looking to recover from her first UFC loss and Hill aiming to crack the top 10 with another strong performance.
Preliminary Card Fights to Watch
Abus Magomedov vs. Warlley Alves: Middleweights Magomedov and Alves both strive to return to the win column in what promises to be a compelling fight.
Victor Martinez vs. Tom Nolan and Tamires Vidal vs. Melissa Gatto: Fighters seek redemption and momentum in their respective divisions.
Piera Rodriguez vs. Ariane Carnelossi: Strawweights Rodriguez and Carnelossi face off, each looking to rebound from recent defeats.
Opening the Night
Alatangheili vs. Kleidison Rodrigues: The bantamweight bout opens the main card, featuring Alatangheili's experience against Rodrigues's youth and speed.
Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Emily Ducote: Strawweights Demopoulos and Ducote set the stage for the night, both aiming to establish their positions in the division.
This packed event promises exciting matchups across the board, setting the stage for potentially career-defining performances at the UFC APEX. Fans can catch all the action on ESPN+.