Anticipated UFC Battles Scheduled for December's Lineup
Get Ready for the UFC Frenzy!
As the year winds down, the UFC spices things up with thrilling battles in December! From the main event to the co-main, here are the five most hotly anticipated fights of the month, written by Quintin van Jaarsveld.
The Crown's Next Victim: Pantoja vs Asakura
December 8th, SA TimeExpect fireworks as Pantoja, the reigning flyweight champion, sets his sights on Asakura, a formidable contender in his very first matchup in the UFC's ring.
With two successful title defenses under his belt, Pantoja has been racking up impressive victories, securing a six-fight win streak. A third consecutive defense would tie him with Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez for the most wins in flyweight history – a whopping 13!
Considered a terror out of Tokyo, Asakura storms the UFC with high hopes of shaking up the division and claiming the title in his debut. This opportunity is a testament to the UFC's faith in the former RIZIN bantamweight champion.
Welterweight Dance-off: Rakhmonov vs Machado Garry
December 8th, SA TimeGeared up for a five-round especially choreographed dance-off is this No. 1 contender fight between the two undefeated welterweight phenoms. With Muhammad originally scheduled, Rakhmonov settles for Machado Garry, as the latter gets the highly sought-after opportunity to put his skills to the test.
Hefty Heavyweights Collide: Gane vs Volkov
December 8th, SA TimeThe No. 2 and No. 3 ranked heavyweights in the world will lock horns in a massive rematch. Originally planned for October but postponed due to an injury, Volkov will seek vengeance against Gane, who outshone him with a decision win in their first encounter in June 2021. Gane is on a mission to secure another victory after losing the undisputed belt to Jon Jones.
Call to Arms for Covington: Chaos Enters Fray vs Buckley
December 15th, SA TimeCovington, the former interim welterweight champion, steps in on short notice to take on rising star Buckley in the main event of UFC Tampa at the Amelie Arena.
Covington, notorious for his trash-talk and grappling skills, aims to steal the show from Buckley, who has an impressive five-fight winning streak since his move to welterweight, featuring knockouts against Vicente Luque and Stephen Thompson.
Strawweight Showdown: Dern vs Ribas, Round Two
December 15th, SA TimeDern and Ribas square off again, five years after their first clash, in a no-holds-barred battle. This time, the venue is the same, determined to make the rematch unforgettable. Dern seeks redemption after losing to Ribas in her second bout, while Ribas aims to prove her victory was no fluke.
That's all folks! Don't miss out on the action as these fighters put it all on the line in December!
- The highly anticipated welterweight contest between Rakhmonov and Machado Garry promises an exciting dance-off on December 8th.
- Asakura, a formidable contender, will make his UFC debut on December 8th against Pantoja, the reigning flyweight champion, in an exciting matchup that could shake up the division.
- On December 15th, fans can look forward to a strwawweight showdown between Dern and Ribas, a rematch five years in the making and a fight not to be missed.
- The December 8th UFC event also features a heavyweight rematch between Gane and Volkov, with Gane on a mission to avenge his decision win from June 2021.
