The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the UFC Apex for UFC on ESPN 51 this Saturday in Las Vegas, featuring a variety of exciting matchups. Headlining the event is a crucial welterweight battle between Vicente Luque and former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, who is attempting to make one more run towards a title. The co-main event showcases Cub Swanson’s ongoing success as he faces Hakeem Dawodu at 145 pounds. Additionally, Chris Daukaus seeks a new start at light heavyweight against Khalil Rountree, while a women’s strawweight pairing between Polyana Viana and Iasmin Lucindo promises an entertaining showdown at 115 pounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9F7IQgCj8A
Welterweights
In the main event, Vicente Luque (21-9-1, 14-5 UFC) goes up against Rafael dos Anjos (32-14, 21-12 UFC), a former lightweight champion. Both fighters face a pivotal moment in their careers, with Luque looking to reaffirm his relevance after a string of setbacks and dos Anjos hoping to defy age and make one final push for a title. The odds currently favor dos Anjos (-118) over Luque (-102).
The outcome of this fight will have significant implications for the future of both competitors. Luque, a former dark horse in the UFC, has suffered some major losses recently, including a knockout defeat by Geoff Neal and a decision loss to Belal Muhammad. Meanwhile, dos Anjos has had an impressive career, rising from journeyman to elite fighter and winning the lightweight title in 2014. However, a return to welterweight has not been as successful, with dos Anjos encountering size and physicality issues against larger opponents.
Co-Main Event: Featherweights
Cub Swanson (28-12, 13-8 UFC) takes on Hakeem Dawodu (13-2-1, 6-2 UFC) in the co-main event, with Swanson hoping to continue his recent successes and Dawodu looking to make a statement in the featherweight division. Both fighters have displayed impressive striking abilities in the past, and this matchup should provide plenty of action for fans.
Overall, UFC on ESPN 51 promises an entertaining night of fights with several intriguing matchups. The main event between Luque and dos Anjos, in particular, will likely have a significant impact on the future of the welterweight division, and fans should be eager to see how the night unfolds.