The UFC kicks off October by visiting the Beehive State, Utah, for what's set to be a really strong event. The card is full of well known veterans of the sport. Veterans, but not too ancient, I'd consider the majority of them to be in their prime to late prime. It is a very interesting cast no doubt about it.
The fights lined up are full of very solid, watchable fighters with well established careers. Not superstars, but quite far from nobodies. Of course it has it's star power too that is for SURE.
These aren't all the fights, but a solid majority of them.
The night starts off with a real welterweight dog fight with seasoned vets of the sport Tim Means and Court McGee. Just two absolute GRITTY legends. Nearly a quarter century of UFC experience combined between these two. It's only right these two fight finally. No clue who wins this one. I guess I'll choose Means.
That fight is followed up by two female veterans of the sport in strawweights Carla Esparza and Tecia Pennington, formerly known as Tecia Torres. This fight is pretty epic. Carla is a two time UFC Champion and Tecia has been high level forever only taking losses to legends of the sport herself. I have always been a fan of Tecia and I think she's the better fighter in general. This will also be Carla's first fight in nearly two years so I am taking Tecia here.
Light heavyweights Ryan Spann and and Ovince Saint Preux duke it out. These guys are average fighters but are always dangerous. OSP is 41 now and so this could easily be one of his last fights. I think OSP gets it done, he seems more well rounded than Spann.
Austin Hubbard and Alexander Hernandez fight in an intriguing under the radar lightweight bout. Both fighters have shown potential but have had mixed results in their UFC careers thus far. They're both directly in their prime at 32 years old and have been in the UFC for five-six years. I have always liked Hubbard's style and he has good size for 155. Hubbard has also never lost two fights in a row and has won three of his last four bouts. I'll take Hubbard but this will be a good one.
Later, to finish up the prelims, legend of the sport Stephen Wonderboy Thompson faces surging up and comer Joaquin Buckley. This fight is a bananas matchup. I think Buckley stands a chance because he has looked so good recently at welterweight and is ELEVEN years younger than Wonderboy. BUT Wonderboy has proven himself several times over against younger fighters in the past and his striking is so elite and clean that he can beat practically anyone. I think the first round is going to be NUTS and Buckley has his best shot. But if this gets through round one somehow, Buckley is cooked. I think odds are slightly in Wonderboy's favor but this is sketchy. HUGE fight for Buckley. If he wins this his life is forever changed.
Ketlen Vieira and Kayla Harrison will duke it out to kick off the main card. Don't know much about Vieira but Kayla is a MEGA hype train and apparently cuts 1,000 pounds to make weight LOL. But yeah I am intrigued I guess.
Roman Dolidze fights a fan favorite in Kevin Holland. Holland has established himself as a slightly heavier version of Nate Diaz or Jorge Masvidal. Always game, elite, can fluctuate weight clasees but likely not a title contender. Dolidze has been has been in the UFC for only a little over four years but has wins over Anthony Smith, Jack Hermansson and Kyle Daukaus. I think Holland gets it done.
Jose Aldo continues to be a legend and be a contender even in the twilight of his career.
All of a sudden Also has been a bantamweight for practically five years after he was a featherweight for what felt like an eternity. His career has layers and depth similar to that of Tom Brady. This bantamweight-Aldo era feels sort of majestic. The man is truly aging like fine wine. Aldo is still a boss fight for anyone he comes across in 2024. It's unknown when he will finally hang it up but, I'm enjoying his skills while I can!
Jose Aldo fights hungry up and comer Mario Bautista. This is a perfect, well earned opportunity for Bautista. He is a savage and has been quietly stacking bodies since entering the UFC in 2019. Mario is 8-2 and currently on a SIX fight win streak. if he can make Jose lucky number seven, Mario could be seeing a title fight next time he enters the octagon. I think Mario got this one. Mario is seven years younger and even a little bigger I believe. Too hot. Would never be shocked by an Aldo victory though.
Women's Bantamweight Champion Raquel Pennington is set to defend her belt against former Champion Julianna Peña. I think both fighters are pretty good, but I think Pennington is going to be a tough out for anyone. Underrated champion. She never seemed like much of a threat until she got the belt. Now that she has it I think it will be surprisingly hard for her to lose it. I think Pennington got this.
To finish off the night in the main event is the superstar of the organization himself, Alex Pereira. The light heavyweight champion is set to try to defend his belt for the third time against LIVE dark horse Khalil Rountree.
I have never seen a fighter become a superstar AND a Hall of Famer as quickly as Poatan has. The guy has not needed to learn English and yet he connects with the majority of UFC fans. There's always haters but Alex is pretty well liked. He seems friendly, chill and even really genuinely funny at times. I'm glad I get to watch the Poatan era.
This fight is interesting though because I would not mind seeing Alex's opponent Khalil win either. Khalil has had highs and lows in his career but he seems to have caught his stride entering his mid-thirties. Khalil has adopted a Muay Thai heavy approach that has really helped turn his career around. In addition, Khalil is just an absolute tank. The guy is jacked and hits like an actual truck. Seriously.
I don't think Alex has seen a fighter in the UFC as explosive AND powerful as Khalil. I think Alex wins but I would not bet on this one. But maybe I should LOL.
