Five reasons to watch UFC 249 with two title fights and Brazilians at the event

T. Ferguson (left) and J. Gaethje (right) facing the UFC 249. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

This Saturday (9), Ultimate is close to making history. Fulfilling the promise of the company's president, Dana White, the organization will be the first, among the largest MMA companies in the world, to resume its activities, even during the coronavirus pandemic. On the card that takes place in Jacksonville (USA), the board decided to treat fans to great fights, including two title fights.

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In the main fight, Tony Ferguson will exchange forces against the talented Justin gaethje. The fight will be worth the interim lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg) and the winner will gain the right to challenge the lineal champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in a near future.

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The co-main event will also feature a title fight. Henry Cejudo will make his first title defense since becoming bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg) in June last year. Ahead of him, the North American will have an old acquaintance among sports fans: Dominick Cruz, who held the division belt between 2010 and 2016.

In addition to the main fights of the night, fans will be able to watch major clashes, such as the long-awaited meeting between Francis Ngannou e Jairzinho Rozenstruik. In total, there will be 12 presentations that promise to rock the weekend.

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As it couldn't be any different, the Brazilian fans will also be attentive, as the event has three important representatives at the show.

To get into the spirit of the event, the SUPER LUTAS team selected five moments to accompany the event. UFC 249. Check out:

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1) The return of the UFC

Ultimate resumes its activities with the UFC 249, on May 9th. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc

Almost two months have passed since the last Ultimate card was held. Following government recommendations, the company decided to temporarily suspend its calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the time has come to return.

After an executive order from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis that included the UFC on the 'essential services' list, Dana White and his team flew to Jacksonville and decided it was time to return.

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When he announced the suspension of his activities, White had stated that his company would be the first, among the large ones, to make its return official. As promised, the Octagon will then be used again this Saturday.

2) Ferguson x Gaethje

T. Ferguson (left) and J. Gaethje (right) meet before the UFC 249. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil

In a perfect world, the main struggle of UFC 249 would mark the utopian meeting between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Tony Ferguson, self-confessed rivals and the biggest names among lightweights today. Did not happen.

The linear champion ended up withdrawing from the card – which marked the fifth cancellation of the clash between them – and gave way to Justin gaethje, current number four in the group.

Even without the Russian, the confrontation between Tony and his compatriot proves interesting, as they are two very aggressive fighters and at a great stage in their careers.

Known worldwide, Ferguson is the man to beat today. Number one in the category's ranking, behind only Khabib, the 'Bogeyman' hasn't lost in 12 clashes. His last defeat came in 2012, when he was beaten by Michael Johnson. Since then, 'El Cucuy' has evolved as a fighter and has become practically invincible inside the octagon.

While on one side there is an undeniably dangerous athlete, Gaethje is not far behind. Coming from three big wins in a row, it was last year that Justin actually entered the organization's radar as a likely challenger for the belt. The fighter reached the status of a great competitor after winning Edson Barboza e Donald Cerrone with two big knockouts.

3) Past and present

H. Cejudo (left) faces D. Cruz (right) before the UFC 249. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

there are those who say that Dominick Cruz He is the best fighter in the history of UFC bantamweights. Responsible for leading the division between 2010 and 2016, the American has always impressed with his technical ability and peculiar way of moving inside the Octagon. The scenario now, however, is different for the fighter.

Cruz is not the protagonist of the co-main fight this time. AND Henry Cejudo the big name in the category and responsible for trying to prove that Dominick's time in the sport has passed.

Bantamweight champion since June last year, Cejudo is increasingly proving to be a super athlete. With two titles in different divisions in the UFC, the North American also boasts an Olympic medal, won in Beijing (China) in 2008.

In addition to the fame he has gained and great recent performances, Henry also has the advantage of his rival not having performed since December 2016, when he lost the title to Colby Garbrandt.

Cruz, then, in addition to facing a rival with more pace, must prove that he is still a big name in the sport and that he has not stopped in time.

4) Ngannou x Rozenstruik: passport to the title

F. Ngannou (left) and J. Rozenstruik (right) face each other before the UFC 249. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

Before getting to the title fights, spectators at the UFC 249 will follow a confrontation that has everything to stir up tempers. This is the meeting of two 'giants'.

Known as one of the most feared fighters across all divisions, Francis Ngannou returns to the octagon almost a year after the brutal knockout given to the former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg), junior gypsy. The athlete who is one of the favorites for a future title fight will face the promising and undefeated Jairzinho Rozenstruik.

Born in Suriname, Jairzinho debuted for the UFC in February last year. The athlete needed just four presentations to reach sixth place in the ranking and reach the position of facing one of the main names in the group.

Both are known for their knockout power, so it is recommended that spectators avoid blinking, as one could 'sleep' at any moment.

The duel not only means a confrontation between great powers, but it can also guarantee that the winner will face whoever wins in the trilogy between Stipe Miocic e Daniel Cormier (no confirmed date) by category title.

5) Brazilians on the card

F. Werdum returns to Ultimate in UFC 249. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @werdum

Brazil could not be left out of the great party that will take place this Saturday. The country will be represented by two athletes, who have great challenges ahead.

The first Tupiniquim to climb into the Octagon will be Vincent Luque. The fighter, who had been on the rise among the welterweights (up to 77kg), ended up losing in his last appearance to Stephen Thompson and will now exchange forces against Niko Price.

This is not the first time the combatants have faced each other. In 2017, Luque faced the North American and won by submission.

Former heavyweight champion, Fabricio Werdum will make his return to the octagon after serving a two-year suspension after being caught in an anti-doping test in 2018.

On his return, the gaucho will face the experienced alexey oleynik. With just two more fights left on his UFC contract, the 42-year-old Brazilian is close to deciding whether he will continue fighting or officially hang up his gloves.