The UFC returns to Las Vegas once again as the MMA community looks forward to a stunning Fight Night. The Main Event showcases the #5 Middleweight contender, Jared Cannonier, takes on the #12 contender, Caio Borralho, in a five-round bout. Here is everything you need to know before the show starts at the APEX.
Fiiiiiight weeeek!
— danawhite (@danawhite) August 19, 2024
Cannonier vs Borralho is LIVE and FREE SATURDAY on @espn! #UFCVegas96 pic.twitter.com/KqhVJsrzCg
Jared Cannonier last fought at UFC Louisville, just over two months ago, and would suffer a fourth-round TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov, despite the stoppage being controversial.
The Killa Gorilla has been a contender of the Middleweight division since 2019, defeating the likes of Derek Brunson, Sean Strickland and Marvin Vettori as he continues to battle the toughest competition at 40 years of age.
The Texan fighter prefers the fight to finish by knockout as 10 of his 17 triumphs in MMA have ended by KO/TKO, six of those have happened in the UFC through three different weight classes.
Cannonier still eyes to get one more chance at UFC Gold as a redeeming win against a big Brazilian prospect may just do the trick and get him back on track.
Caio Borralho arguably had his greatest win of his career when he defeated Paul Craig by second-round knockout at UFC 301 in his home country of Brazil, rising him up the rankings to #12.
The Natural is yet to lose a fight in the UFC with the Brazilian currently standing on a 16-fight unbeaten streak as he does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
The Sao Luis-born mixed martial artist only has two stoppage wins in the UFC, but altogether, he has earned nine finishes on his MMA record with five ending by KO/TKO and four ending by submission.
Borralho has the ultimate opportunity to enter the top five in the Middleweight rankings which would put him one or two fights away from getting a potential title shot.
other fights you should look out for
Angela Hill vs Tabatha Ricci - Hill last fought at UFC Vegas 92 where she would begin a winning streak after defeating Luana Pinheiro by second-round submission. Overkill currently has the most fights and wins in UFC Strawweight history, proving that she is a veteran of this sport. The #9 Strawweight contender will aim to maintain her position in the top 10 and increase her winning streak to three.
Ricci only just did enough to redeem herself from her split decision loss at UFC 295 with a split decision win of her own against Tecia Pennington at UFC St Louis. Baby Shark has only had one stoppage win in her UFC career which occurred at UFC 285 when she submitted Jessica Penne in the second round. The #11 Strawweight contender has an opportunity to move up the rankings and start a winning streak at the APEX.
Neil Magny vs Michael Morales - Magny overcame the odds at UFC 297 to defeat Mike Malott by TKO late in the third round, becoming victorious in enemy territory. The Haitian Sensation has had the most experience in the Welterweight division with a total of 32 fights and 22 wins which is more than any other fighter in the 170-pound weight class. The #12 Welterweight contender will once again defend his ranking against an unranked opponent as he looks to show that experience plays an advantage against prospects of the UFC.
Morales last fought at UFC Vegas 82 where he would continue his undefeated MMA record with an unanimous decision win over Jake Matthews. The Ecuadorian is very dangerous on the feet with 11 of his 16 victories ending by KO/TKO as he doesn't often take the battle to the judges scorecards. Morales has a fantastic opportunity to enter the Welterweight rankings as well as face one of the most recognised veterans of the organisation,
Edmen Shahbazyan vs Gerald Meerschaert - Shahbazyan found an impressive and redeeming win in his last fight when he knocked out AJ Dobson in the first round at UFC Vegas 89. The Golden Boy has a 92% finish rate with 11 of his stoppage wins ending by KO/TKO as he is not one to mess with on the feet. The Glendale-born fighter looks to keep this bout on the feet and try to take out a dangerous submission artist, which may not put him far away from the Middleweight rankings.
Meerschaert managed to stop a two-fight losing streak at UFC Vegas 88 when he submitted Bryan Barberena in the second round. All of GM3's wins in the UFC have ended with a finish, plus, 28 of his 36 MMA wins have ended by submission as his Jiu Jitsu is one of the most dangerous in the UFC. A victory for the Racine-born mixed martial artist could be his most impressive one yet if he stops his opponent at UFC Vegas 96.
Written by Charlie Oxtoby
Instagram: charlie_oxtoby
MMA Instagram: undisputed._.mma
Twitter: Charlie_Oxtoby1
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