Five reasons to watch UFC 296, with Alexandre Pantoja and Leon Edwards defending their belts

Alexandre pantoja (left) and Leon edwards (dir.) are protagonists of the UFC 296. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

The big moment has arrived. This Saturday (16), in Las Vegas (USA), the great UFC 296. With 12 fights scheduled, the event closes the 2023 season for Ultimate and promotes a card with two title fights. In the main clashes, the champions Alexandre pantoja e Leon edwards seek to expand their legacies in their respective categories.

In the last fight of the show, Edwards steps into the octagon for his second appearance of the year. Welterweight champion (up to 77,1kg) since 2022, the Englishman faces the controversial Colby covington.

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The co-main clash represents a rematch for Alexandre pantoja. Holder of the flyweight title (up to 56,7 kg.), the Brazilian tries to remain at the top of the division by facing Brandon royval, opponent surpassed by Tupiniquim in 2021.

Two clashes, also in the second half of the event, promise to shake up the fans' spirits. The veteran Stephen Thompson shares the octagon with 'Bicho Papão' Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Tony Ferguson seeks to end the dramatic series of six defeats against Paddy Pimblett.

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In addition to Pantoja, Brazil will have three more representatives. Karol Rosa, Ariane Lipski and Lucas Almeida appear on the preliminary card.

To get in the mood, the SUPER FIGHTS listed five reasons to watch the UFC 296. Check out:

1) Leon Edwards x Colby Covington: the moment of truth

Edwards faces Covington after UFC 296 press conference

Leon edwards e Colby covington in face after collective. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Responsible for dethroning the then unbeatable Kamaru Usman, Leon edwards tries to expand his legacy in the welterweight category. After beating the 'Nigerian Nightmare' twice in a row, the athlete now measures forces with the controversial Colby covington.

Inserted in the provocative environment, commonly implemented by the North American 'loudmouth', the champion tries to ignore his opponent's acid attacks and remain at the top of the division. In addition to the title, the Englishman has an unbeaten run of 12 appearances.

Former holder of the interim belt in the category, Covington will have a new opportunity to make history in the UFC. After two unsuccessful attempts to gain the absolute throne, being defeated by Kamaru Usman in chances (2019 and 2021), the 'bad boy' is back.

Without fighting for over a season, the American has not stepped into the Octagon since his victory against his former best friend, Jorge masvidal, at the beginning of 2022. Featured in the category's ranking for years, the 35-year-old North American could experience his last confrontation for the group's throne.

To win, Edwards needs to nullify Colby's excellent wrestling. On the other side, the challenger tries to minimize the volume and 'Fight IQ' of the champion.

2) Alexandre Pantoja x Brandon Royval

Pantoja and Royval in line for UFC fight in 2021

Alexandre pantoja e Brandon royval they faced each other in 2021. Photo: Instagram/UFC

Executioner of Brandon Moreno in a commitment that represented the conquest of the flyweight belt in UFC 290, Pantoja wants to prove that his achievement was not the result of chance. After going through one of Ultimate's biggest battles of the year, the Brazilian will have to go through an old acquaintance.

In 2021, Alexandre was chosen to face Brandon royval, in a challenge that would bring the winner closer to a title fight. In the first meeting, better for the Brazilian.

Willing to fulfill his dream of making history in the UFC, the Tupiniquim overcame his opponent with a submission in the second round. Two presentations later, Pantoja would win the belt.

To reach the dispute against the Brazilian, Royval also needed to show his service. After the setback against Alexandre, the fighter accumulated three positive results in a row, one of them against Tupiniquim Mateus Nicolau.

To the excitement of fans, the co-main clash, in addition to the search for the throne, marks the meeting of athletes known for their aggression. Both promise to seek closure in the fast lane.

3) All or nothing for Stephen Thompson

Thompson and Rakhmonov face each other before UFC fight

Stephen Thompson (left) and Shavkat Rakhmonov (right) facing. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Two-time welterweight title challenger, Stephen Thompson It will be 'all or nothing' this weekend. Featured in the top 10 of the division, the 40-year-old veteran is fighting his last run for the title.

To achieve his dream of fighting for the title again, the North American will have to go through the group's 'Bicho Papão'. Inserted in the top 5, Shavkat Rakhmonov He has an impeccable track record in professional MMA, with 17 consecutive victories.

In the UFC, the fighter from Kazakhstan has collected victims since his debut in the organization in 2020. In total, there are five triumphs, all on the fast track.

If he wins, Thompson could take an important leap towards a new opportunity to challenge a group champion. In the first two attempts, the combatant 'hit the post' against Tyron woodley.

4) Ultimatum for Tony Ferguson

Tony Ferguson (left) stares Paddy Pimblett (dir.). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Considered by many as one of the best lightweight representatives (up to 70,3kg) of all time, Tony Ferguson He has not managed the final stretch of his career well. Former interim champion of the division, the veteran lives an endless nightmare as he approaches his 40th birthday.

With six consecutive defeats, the biggest negative record among UFC representatives today, the North American wants to prove that he is still capable of competing at a high level. In recent years, the 'Bicho Papão' has been easy prey for elite rivals and will now be tested against a promise from the organization.

Responsible for bringing Ferguson closer to the organization, Pimblett defends his invincibility in the company. With four consecutive victories, the Englishman is also looking to get closer to the top 15 in the division led by Islam makhachev.

If he loses again, Tony could make maintaining his stay in Ultimate unsustainable. The athlete, however, guarantees to live his peak and is betting on a historic turnaround in MMA.

5) More Brazil

K. Rosa in presentation at UFC 280. Photo: Instagram/UFC

Besides Alexandre pantoja, Brazil will have three more representatives at the event. Karol Rosa, Ariane Lipski and Lucas Almeida will take the yellow-green to the Octagon on the preliminary card.

The last Tupiniquim to climb into the octagon will be Karol Rosa. A promising bantamweight fighter (up to 61,2kg), the fighter has a great opportunity this weekend. Rival of Irene aldana, the athlete could reach the top 5, if she passes the former title challenger.

Known as the 'Queen of Violence', Ariane Lipski tries to confirm the good moment in the UFC. In the fourth challenge of the season, the Brazilian faces Casey O'Neill, number 12 in the flies (up to 56,7kg.). If she wins, the Curitiba native will reach the group of top 15 in the division.

With a record of one victory and one defeat in Ultimate, Lucas Almeida There is an important confrontation for the company's trajectory. Featherweight promise (up to 65,7kg), the São Paulo native faces the experienced André Fili.