UFC 276 is a cornerstone of International Fight Week, and is built on two bouts.
In the main event, Israel Adesanya defends his middleweight title against Jared Cannonier. Eleven years into his career, this marks Kanoner’s first fight for the UFC title. Standing in his way is the mighty Israel Adesanya, an almost unstoppable force who has won 11 of his 12 battles in the Octagon. Adesanya has never lost a middleweight match in his entire career, and that’s the mystery to solve for Cannonier.
Alexander Volkanovsky defends the featherweight championship against Max Holloway in the main tournament. This is the third time they have competed against each other, with Volkanovsky claiming the first two. Holloway has gone through all the major competitors in the division, except that he has not yet found an answer for Volkanovsky. If Volkanovsky emerges victorious, look for him to claim the lightweight title in pursuit of becoming a double champion.
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The remaining 276 solid cards. Shaun Strickland and Alex Pereira face off in a No. 1 contender for the Adesania middleweight title. Strickland was getting closer and closer to the title shot, but Pereira – who already has two victories against Adesanya from their kickboxing matches – would make for an even better storyline if Adesanya retained his title.
Former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler versus veteran Brian Barberina, the 40-year-old’s chance to win for the second time in a row. The opening bout is entertaining Sean O’Malley facing his biggest test against Bantamweight No. 9 Pedro Munhos. If O’Malley leaves Vegas with a win, he’ll finally smash into the top ten in the division.
The backlog of the co-main event should be convincing, and 276 are scheduled to close with two championship bouts to see the dates.
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