UFC Decking the Halls with December Knockouts! 🥋💥
Anticipated UFC Bouts Slated for December: Countdown to the Biggest Showdowns
Get ready to witness some electrifying action as the UFC winds down the year with a double dose of adrenaline! Quintin van Jaarsveld is here to guide you through the electrifying fights that are set to light up the cage in December.
Pantoja's Reign Continues Against Asakura's Daring Challenge 👑🇯🇵
🗓️ Sunday, 8 December SA time
Brazil's Alexandre Pantoja aims to extend his reign as flyweight champion as he takes on Tokyo's resident nightmare, Kai Asakura, in the main event of UFC 309. With two successful title defenses already under Pantoja's belt, a third could see him equal Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez's record of 13 wins in the flyweight division.
As the third time in the modern era that a fighter has been granted a title shot in their promotional debut, Asakura is strongly favored by the UFC. The former RIZIN bantamweight champion boasts a unique blend of striking and grappling that could spell trouble for Pantoja.
Rising Stars Battle It Out for a Title Shot 🥊
🗓️ Sunday, 8 December SA time
The co-headliner of UFC 309 sets up two highly-touted welterweight prospects in a No. 1 contender match. Shavkat Rakhmonov was initially slated to face Belal Muhammad for the title, but the latter's toe infection has forced a change of plans, moving the flyweight title fight to the main event.
Rakhmonov has prioritized Ian Machado Garry, who previously called for a battle with the fierce Uzbek. Hailing from Ireland, Machado Garry will be aiming for the quickest route to the top with a win against Rakhmonov.
Heavyweight Clash: Gane vs. Volkov, Round 2 🦁🥊
🗓️ Sunday, 8 December SA time
Powerhouse heavyweights Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov collide for the second time in a fierce rematch on the same card. Their first encounter ended in a decision win for Gane in the Summer of 2021, giving him the interim title. After a setback against Jon Jones for the undisputed belt, Gane knocked out Serghei Spivac in his last outing.
Volkov has racked up four victories in a row, upsetting countryman Sergei Pavlovich and beating formidable opponents such as Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Alexandr Romanov, and Tai Tuivasa. A win over Gane could bring Volkov one step closer to his long-sought title shot.
Covington vs. Buckley: Short-Notice Brawl 💔⌛️
🗓️ Sunday, 15 December SA time
Former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington jumps in on short notice to challenge rising star Joaquin Buckley in the UFC Tampa main event. With a reputation as a trash-talking and engaging figure, Covington is back after a trio of unsuccessful bids for the undisputed championship.
Taking on opponents like Vicente Luque and Stephen Thompson, Buckley has garnered a five-fight win streak and will be looking to put an exclamation point on a standout year with yet another victory.
Revenge on the Line as Dern and Ribas Clash Again ⚔️
🗓️ Sunday, 15 December SA time
Five years in the making, Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas will settle their scores at the UFC Tampa co-main event. The initial bout saw Ribas edge out a win over Dern, ending her undefeated streak, and Dern will be seeking vengeance. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion, Dern rebounded from two back-to-back losses with a decision victory over Loopy Godinez in August.
Ribas has shifted gears to strawweight, rebounding from a loss at flyweight with a TKO win over Luana Pinheiro in November. A sharp striker, Ribas is looking to come back stronger and seize victory in the rematch.
- Alexandre Pantoja, the flyweight champion, aims to extend his reign in the main event of UFC 309 against Kai Asakura, a highly favored opponent due to being granted a title shot in his promotional debut.
- In the co-headliner of UFC 309, Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry will face off in a No. 1 contender match for the welterweight division, a change prompted by Belal Muhammad's toe infection.
- Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov will clash heavily in a rematch during UFC 309, with Volkov looking to move one step closer to his long-sought title shot after racking up four consecutive victories.
- Colby Covington, a former interim welterweight champion, will challenge rising star Joaquin Buckley in a short-notice bout at UFC Tampa, returning to the octagon after a trio of unsuccessful title bids.
