The UFC will be featuring a number of enticing fights at UFC 262 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas this Saturday. With five fights scheduled on the main card and eight fights on the preliminary card, this is bound to be a wild night – especially with a stadium full of fans. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from three key bouts.
Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
Bovada Odds: Oliveria -130
Charles Oliveira (pictured above) is coming into this fight riding some momentum. The 31-year-old Brazilian has appeared in 27 bouts and has won 18 of them since first joining back in 2010. He was on quite the losing streak a little while back in 2015 – dropping four of six – but has won eight straight ever since. That includes a win over one of the premier fighters in the Lightweight Division in Tony Ferguson.
Oliveira not only won that fight but he also dominated it, opening some eyes. People caught wind of his stellar performance and thought it would be best to pair him up with Michael Chandler, a guy who was able to take out Dan Hooker in just half of a round in his UFC debut. This should make for one of the best fights of the night as each of these men specialize in multiple areas. They are both dangerous strikers and have the ability to take control of the fight on the ground.
Tony Ferguson vs. Beneil Dariush
Bodog Odds: Dariush -160
Speaking of Tony Ferguson, he will be fighting as well. The 37-year-old veteran was considered the greatest threat to Khabib Nurmagomedov just about a year ago. He’s since lost two straight, including the loss to Oliveira.
Ferguson has since picked up help from the Hall of Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach in hopes of turning the tide. Dariush presents a very tough matchup for Ferguson as he has won six straight ever since his loss back in 2018. He was always a dangerous fighter on the ground but has since developed a deadly striking game during this recent win streak that could help him out in this fight. Will we be able to see Ferguson finally get himself back in the win column or will Dariush start to fuel retirement rumors for the veteran?
Jack Hermansson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan
BetOnline Odds: Hermansson -170
Jack Hermansson and Edmen Shahbazyan will be two fighters desperate for a victory here. Hermansson started off his career in the UFC back in 2016, winning seven of his first 10 fights. However, he hasn’t been able to hold onto that success since as he lost to Marvin Vettori back in December and has now dropped two of his last three. Now he faces Shahbazyan, who won his first 11 career fights, three of those in the UFC. Although, he did just get TKO’d during his last fight back in August by Derek Brunson. Both of these guys are coming into this contest in need of a win.