The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to captivate fight fans once again as it returns to ESPN+ for the highly anticipated UFC Austin, taking place at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Scheduled for tonight (Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023), the event promises a night of thrilling action and compelling matchups that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Headlining the event is a pivotal Lightweight bout between two top contenders, Beneil Dariush and Arman Tsarukyan. The co-main event features a clash between experienced fighters Bobby Green and Jalin Turner. This main card is brimming with potential Fight of the Night contenders and exciting narratives that will undoubtedly capture the attention of MMA enthusiasts worldwide.
Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked No. 8, is no stranger to high-stakes matchups. In his first foray into the Octagon, Tsarukyan faced none other than the current Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, in 2019. Although he fell short on the judges' scorecards, Tsarukyan showcased his resilience and determination against a future pound-for-pound talent. Since then, he has compiled an impressive 7-1 record, earning him the chance to headline his second UFC event. With aspirations to break into the Top 5, Tsarukyan faces a formidable opponent in Beneil Dariush.
Dariush, currently occupying the No. 4 spot in the Lightweight division, is looking to rebound after a setback against Charles Oliveira at UFC 289. The loss ended his seven-fight win streak but did not diminish his standing in the division. With one eye on title contention, Dariush understands the importance of a victory over Tsarukyan. Both fighters bring diverse skill sets to the cage, with Tsarukyan boasting eight knockouts and Dariush securing eight submissions. The outcome of this bout could significantly impact their respective journeys toward championship aspirations.
The preliminary card is no less intriguing, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Former Bantamweight champion Miesha Tate returns for a potentially farewell fight against Julia Avila. Tate, coming off a tough stretch, aims to secure a victory and potentially bow out on a high note. Additionally, in the Lightweight division, Drakkar Klose faces off against Joe Solecki in a matchup that could propel the winner up the 155-pound ladder.
Veronica Hardy, currently sporting a 2-4 UFC record, seeks redemption in her bout against Jamey-Lyn Worth, who remains undefeated at 6-0, including a victory in her UFC debut. The Welterweight division features a clash between Jared Gooden and Wellington Turman, both eager to secure a pivotal win after recent setbacks.
The event also showcases the return of Sean Brady, who looks to make a triumphant comeback after a year-long hiatus, facing Kelvin Gastelum in a crucial Welterweight affair. Brady, previously undefeated at 15-0, suffered his first loss against Belal Muhammad and is determined to reestablish himself in the division. Gastelum, a former title challenger, aims to build on his recent victory over Chris Curtis.
UFC's iron man, Clay Guida, steps into the Octagon for his 36th fight against Joaquim Silva. Despite a less consistent record in recent years, Guida's unmatched energy and fighting spirit make each of his appearances a must-watch.
In summary, UFC Austin promises fight fans a night to remember, filled with intense battles, potential upsets, and the return of established stars. With a main card boasting six compelling matchups, including the co-main event and the headline bout, the event is poised to deliver excitement and unpredictability. MMA enthusiasts can anticipate an unforgettable night of world-class mixed martial arts action as these skilled athletes showcase their talents inside the UFC Octagon.