Five reasons to watch UFC 268, with historic rematches in title fights

K. Usman (left) and C. Covington (right) have a historic rematch at UFC 268. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The big moment has arrived. On the first weekend of November, Ultimate gives fans the biggest event of the month. This Saturday (6), in New York (USA), the organization will present to the public a spectacle with two title fights, represented by historic rematches. In the main fights, Kamaru Usman defends the welterweight title (up to 77kg.) against Colby covington, While Rose namajunas tries to maintain his strawweight reign (up to 52,1kg.) against Weili Zhang.

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How to watch UFC 268, with historic rematches and two title fights

VIDEO: MMA community weighs in on rematch between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington at UFC 268

From a life of excess to stardom in kickboxing, Poatan debuts in the UFC this Saturday as a promise in the middleweight division

Athletico fanatic, John Allan wants to continue the club's success and win his first UFC victory this Saturday

Lyoto Machida's pupil, Bruno Souza talks about 'dream coming true' for debut at UFC 268

The highlight of the show will be the re-editing of one of the best fights of 2019. Just under two years after a real battle in UFC 245, Kamaru Usman e Colby covington they take their rivalry back to the octagon in a clash for the absolute top of the under-77kg group.

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Before, Rose namajunas will try to prove that the lightning victory over Weili Zhang, in April, was not the result of chance. The North American makes her first title defense against the Chinese, who occupied the throne until the beginning of 2021.

In addition to title clashes, a duel will represent a lot for the division led by Charles of the Bronx. Candidates for a future fight for the belt, Justin gaethje e Michael chandler they will fight a duel that could guarantee the winner an opportunity to challenge the lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg).

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At the weekend, Brazil will have three representatives. Kickboxing legend, Alex Poatán will make his long-awaited UFC debut and will trade forces against Andreas Michailidis, in the middleweight class (up to 83,9kg.). Bruno Souza also debuts in the company and faces Melsik Baghdasaryan. In the search for the first positive result for Ultimate, John allan exchange forces with dustin jacoby.

To get in the mood, our team selected five reasons to follow 268. Check it out:

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1) Usman x Covington 2: promise of war

K. Usman (left) and C. Covington (right) have a historic rematch at UFC 268. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The meeting between Usman and Covington does not constitute just any title fight. Confessed rivals, the athletes exchange forces for the second time in their careers and seek to repeat the successful duel that excited fans almost two years ago.

In the first clash, victory for Kamaru. To keep his belt, won at the beginning of that season, the Nigerian didn't have an easy time. There were almost 25 minutes of aggression, with both athletes seeking the outcome in the fast lane at all costs.

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Constantly evolving, Usman ended up getting the upper hand. With just under a minute left for the confrontation to be taken to the judges' decision, the Nigerian managed to knock out his opponent, retaining his title.

No UFC 268, the combatants once again share the octagon. While Kamaru remained active, defending his belt three more times, Covington needed a convincing victory over Tyron woodley to regain challenger status.

2) Namajunas x Zhang 2: the moment of truth

R. Namajunas defends strawweight belt against W. Zhang. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

After starring in one of the best fights in the history of women's MMA in March 2020, Weili Zhang He ended up being unsuccessful in what marked his second title defense at strawweight. At the UFC 261, the Chinese, known for her constancy and aggressiveness, ended up not standing up to the former group champion, Rose namajunas, and succumbed with a lightning knockout, momentarily saying goodbye to the throne.

This weekend, Namajunas will have the task of proving that his brutal triumph was not the result of chance. Known for her excellent boxing, the North American will once again share the octagon with the Chinese, who, during the week, promised not to repeat the same mistakes.

A possible victory for Namajunas could continue the straw division. However, if Weili regains the title, a trilogy could soon be negotiated.

3) Gaethje x Chandler: eyes on the belt

J. Gaethje (left) and M. Chandler (right) face each other in the UFC 268. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Former interim lightweight champion, Justin gaethje is back in the octagon. Without fighting since the heavy defeat suffered against the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, in October of last season, the North American is close to a new chance to reach the belt. To become a challenger, the athlete will need to pass an Ultimate bet.

Hired at the end of 2020 from Bellator, the former champion by the competitor wants to make the investment made by the UFC worth it. Defeated by Charles of the Bronx In the fight for the vacant title, in May, the North American cannot think about failing.

Highlights of the category led by Do Bronx, the athletes need to put on a real show to convince the Ultimate board to grant the champion a challenge.

4) Poatan's debut

A. Poatan debuts in Ultimate at UFC 268. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Considered a kickboxing icon, the double GLORY champion will finally make his UFC debut. A promise from the organization's midfielders, the athlete arrives to try to cast a shadow over the reign of Israel adesanya, former victim outside of MMA.

To debut on the right foot, the Brazilian will need to go through the dangerous Andreas Michailidis. The duel will close the preliminary card of the show.

If he overcomes his rival in the first clash, Poatan will be able to take a closer look at the top of the category led by the opponent he beat twice under kickboxing rules.

5) More Brazil

J. Allan (left) and B. Souza (right) perform at the UFC 268. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

Light heavyweight athlete, John allan is ready for his first commitment of the current season. Without fighting since December 2020, the man from Paraná has a tough opponent. To achieve his first victory with UFC gloves, the Tupiniquim must go through dustin jacoby.

Ward of Lyoto Machida, Bruno Souza He is also a prominent name on the preliminary card. A featherweight athlete (up to 65,7 kg.), the Brazilian will be the first fighter to take the yellow green to the UFC 268. In his debut, nothing was easy. Melsik Baghdasaryan He was chosen to try to ruin the party in Pará.