Five reasons to watch UFC 263, with Adesanya and Deiveson defending their belts

I. Adesanya (left) and M. Vettori (right) head the UFC 263 and fight for the middleweight belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

All right for UFC 263. In an event that promises to be one of the best of the season, Ultimate has scheduled 14 fights, with two title fights, this Saturday (12), in Glendale (USA). The leading role in the show will be taken over by Israel adesanya e Deiveson Figueiredo, who defend their belts in long-awaited rematches with Marvin vettori e Brandon Morenorespectively.

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Re-enacting a 2018 clash, Adesanya returns to middleweight (up to 83,9kg) after an unsuccessful attempt to win the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg), when he lost to Jan Blachowicz. Seeking to recover, the Nigerian returns to his original division and defends his position against Vettori, who he beat three years ago, in a split decision by the judges.

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Brazilian representative in the co-main fight, Deiveson returns to the octagon for the long-awaited rematch against Brandon Moreno. In December 2020, the fighters fought a historic battle in the flyweight division (up to 56,7kg), which ended in a draw, guaranteeing Figueiredo as group champion. Now, the moment of reckoning has come.

The third fight on the main card promises to please most Ultimate fans. The 'bad boy', Nate diaz, returns to the octagon after more than a year and a half away from MMA. The North American will face Leon edwards in a clash that could guarantee the winner a chance to fight for the welterweight title.

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In addition to Deiveson, Brazil will have three more representatives. Considered one of the best representatives of jiu-jitsu in the history of mixed martial arts, Demian Maia face Belal Muhammad | one that could confirm his departure from the sport. In addition to the specialist in the 'gentle art', Luigi Vendramini e Carlos Boi are highlights on the preliminary card.

To get in the mood, our team selected five reasons to follow the UFC 263. Check out:

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1) Adesanya’s return to middleweight

I. Adesanya became UFC champion in 2019. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

After suffering the first defeat of his career, when he moved up to light heavyweight to try to win his second UFC title, many are curious about how Adesanya absorbed the setback. The test for the middleweight champion, however, will not be light. For his return, the Nigerian will face a rematch against one of the toughest opponents in his MMA career.

In 2018, when they exchanged forces for the first time, Israel and Marvin fought a fight marked by balance. One judge even considered it a victory for the Italian, being decisive for the 'split decision' in the clash.

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Three years have passed and the athletes will once again share the Octagon. After much provocation in promoting the fight, the time has come to determine whether Adesanya will remain at the top of the category or whether Vettori will make history by becoming the first athlete from Italy to win a UFC belt.

While the Nigerian is coming off a defeat, Marvin is enjoying a great moment in his career. The challenger's last defeat occurred against Israel and, after the negative result, the fighter collected five victims until he had his passport stamped to face the champion.

2) Deiveson and Moreno: historic rematch at flyweight

D. Figueiredo (left) and B. Moreno (right) had one of the most exciting fights in UFC flyweight history. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In December 2020, Deiveson and Moreno made history by fighting one of the best fights ever seen in flyweight history. Defending the belt, the Brazilian showed his usual aggression, but came up against his rival's high resistance. After 25 minutes of aggression from both sides, the match ended in a draw, guaranteeing the title for the team from Pará.

About six months later, Ultimate understood that there would be no other opponent for the 'God of War' other than Brandon himself. Now, the fighters will once again share the octagon and resolve any issues.

The encounter against Moreno will mark Deiveson's third title defense in less than a year. The Brazilian is trying to make history in the organization and confirm himself as a big name in the company.

Facing an athlete famous for his versatility, Brandon needs to shock the world if he wants to end Deiveson's reign. Current number one in the ranking, the Mexican doesn't know what it's like to lose since the setback to Alexandre pantoja, in May 2018.

Willing to maintain his frequency in Ultimate, Figueiredo wants to extend his good phase and tries to maintain his unbeaten record, which has already lasted six matches. With a setback in his career, the Brazilian doesn't know what it's like to lose since meeting Jussier formigaIn 2018.

3) Nate Diaz: the return of the 'bad boy'

N. Diaz confirmed his return to Ultimate after more than a year of inactivity. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

With a unique style of promoting your clashes, Nate diaz is back in Ultimate. Without acting since November 2019, when he was defeated by Jorge masvidal, in the fight for the symbolic 'BMF' belt (the toughest in MMA), the 'bad boy' has a golden opportunity this weekend.

Outside the welterweight rankings, the North American will trade forces against Leon edwards, currently number three in the ranking led by Kamaru Usman. If the athlete wins, he will be able to guarantee a chance to face the category champion.

Coming from a'I didn't answer' against Belal Muhammad |, Leon wants to win again after almost two years. After spending more than a season away from the Octagon, the Englishman returned in March, but ended up not having the expected result, due to an illegal finger strike on his opponent.

Now, Edwards, in addition to defending his position in the top 5, is trying to win his dream title shot. The information that the winner must face Usman next was recently confirmed by Dana White.

4) Demian Maia: last dance?

D. Maia is a former middleweight and welterweight title challenger. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @demianmaia

O UFC 263 could mark the farewell of a great icon of Brazilian MMA. MMA veteran, Demian Maia You can say goodbye to the sport this weekend.

Former challenger for the middleweight and welterweight belts, the São Paulo native does not deny that retirement is close and, this Saturday, he could hang up his gloves in front of Belal Muhammad |.

Despite having lost his last fight, in a hard knockout suffered by Gilbert Durinho, Maia still occupies a prominent position in the category. Against Muhammad, the Brazilian will defend ninth place in the group and will try to prevent his rival from following the path towards the top of the division.

At 43 years old, Maia is heading towards his 39th career fight. Today, the Brazilian has 28 wins and 10 defeats.

5) More Brazil

C. Boi in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In addition to Deiveson and Maia, Brazil will have two representatives on the preliminary card.

Opening the card, it will be your turn to Carlos Boi try to prove your good phase in your career. The heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg), who always promises a show in his commitments, is looking for his third consecutive victory against Jake collier.

Representing light weight (up to 70,3kg.), Luigi Vendramini It will also be closely watched by Brazilian spectators. Reaching his third fight for the UFC, the fighter seeks his second positive result in the confrontation against Fares Zian.