This weekend delivers in a big way with pay-per-view gems and an array of combatants that are all worth watching.
UFC 192: Cormier vs. Gustafsson
UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier defends his title for the first time this weekend when he faces tough Swede Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192 from Houston.
Cormier bested Anthony Rumble Johnson with a submission victory in May to clinch the belt and now he’ll look to add Gustafsson to his dossier of wins before hopefully earning a rematch with former champion Jon Jones, who should return to competition in 2016.
UFC 192 re-ignites the Light Heavyweight scene as former light heavyweight champion Suga Rashad Evans returns to competition for the first time in nearly two years after dealing with knee surgeries and physical rehab. Evans takes on Ryan Bader, who looks to add a fifth win in a row this weekend getting closer to his new rival, Daniel Cormier.
Fans will also get to see strawweights, and good friends, Angela Hill and Rose Namajunas face off in a FOX Sports 1-televised bout.
Unfortunate news also surrounds the event as it was announced that Johny Hendricks would not be able to compete against Tyron Woodley. According to MMA Fighting, Hendricks suffered a blockage in his intestine last night while cutting weight, as well as a kidney stone. He was rushed to the emergency room and had to be given an IV.
UFC 192 is live on PPV this Saturday night with the preliminary fights on Fox Sports 1 starting at 8 p.m. ET and the PPV broadcast at 10 p.m. E.T.
Adrien Broner vs. Khabib Allakhverdiev
Former world champion Adrien The Problem Broner will meet Khabib Allakhverdiev at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand this Saturday in a fight deemed undeserved by many.
Many boxing fans and pundits believe this weekend’s bout will be the last chance for Broner, who is returning to Nevada after losing a unanimous-decision to Shawn Porter.
Broner will take on Allakhverdiev, who only has one loss to Jesse Vargas, for the vacant WBA light welterweight title. This feels to many like Al Haymon is still trying to groom the former champion to greatness but only Broner can decide that fate.
Catch the action this Saturday live on Showtime from the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio at 10 p.m. EST
Lucas Matthyssee vs. Viktor Postol
Top ranked super lightweights Lucas Matthysse and undefeated Viktor Postol will also battle it out for the vacant WBC world title this Saturday, October 3, at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
Argentinian Matthyssee is an aggressive slugger who carries KO power in both hands. A high-action fan favorite, his all-out style can leave him open to attack and on the mat.
Matthysse is coming off hard-earned victories over maulers Ruslan Provodnikov, Roberto Ortiz, and John Molina Jr since his decision loss to Danny Garcia in September of last year. Matthysse wields an 83% KO record and has stopped 8 of his last 10 opponents.
I am excited to be back in Carson, said Matthysse, at the official press conference. The fans can expect a great fight.
The fight will be televised live by HBO Boxing After Dark starting at 10:15 p.m. ET / 7:15 p.m. PT.
