Fights That Excite - UFC 281

ADESANYA × PEREIRA

The last time we saw Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira in the same room, there was no shortage of excitement. Although they weren’t fighting each other, the interaction was there. Israel was defending his title against Jared Cannonier, while Alex Pereira was taking on the one and only Sean Strickland. Sean took the time in front of the mics to target the Champ. Calling Pereira the “deadliest striker in the room,” and even telling Alex to “get him.”

All of the enticing media stunts to the side, Isreal has successfully defended his title several times but this could be the biggest test of all. Pereira has beaten Isreal twice under a kickboxing ruleset. Let’s see if the MMA ruleset plays out any differently.

ESPARZA x WEILI

Carla Esparza Vs Weili Zhang is a fight that could play out many different ways. Weili Zhang is one of the most exciting fighters to ever enter the strawweight UFC division. I have been following Weili since she was still fighting in China, this woman is built for greatness and never stops improving. Carla Esparza has been a part of exciting events while also winning her title in the most boring fight in UFC history. This fight could be one for the history books, or it could be another boring display of why wrestling is the most superior martial art.

POIRIER × CHANDLER

Dustin Poirier Vs Michael Chandler. Need I say more? Poirier is coming in ranked at #4 while Chandler is coming in ranked at #6. From an outsiders perspective, this fight should determine who is next in line for a title contention fight.

My prediction - Fight of The Night

REYES x SPANN

Dominick Reyes makes his return to the octagon on UFC 281. The last time we saw him compete was against Jiri Prochazka May 1, 2021 when he was finished by a brutal spinning elbow at the end of round 2. Personally, I enjoy seeing fighters taking the time off that is needed to fully recover from such a devastating finish. Although Reyes is on a 3 fight loss streak, I feel that doesn’t exactly captures the fighter that he is. Reyes is always exciting, as well as his opponent Ryan Spann who always puts on a solid performance. I expect to see sparks fly in this event.

MCCANN x BLANCHFIELD

Molly McCann vs Erin Blanchfield is a fight I feel incredibly close to. As a disclaimer before we go any further - I consider both of these females my friends.

I have known Molly for years, she trains just as hard in the gym as she fights in the octagon. I have seen her put on performance of the night level sparring sessions in the gym. The energy she brings to any room she’s in is and her belief in herself is contagious. And she throws down, from the beginning to the end of every fight.

Erin Blanchfield is on an impressive 6 fight win streak. She hasn’t lost since being pulled up from Invicta FC. Recently Erin’s sponsor, the NJ Betting Guru,  challenged one of Molly’s sponsors to a $50k bet. Although the bet was not accepted, with talks of that much money being thrown around this fight cannot be overlooked.