With UFC 272 just coming to a close, the UFC Apex reopens its doors once again for another major event. This time, it’s Fight Night that’s coming back around, boasting multiple exciting bouts that could result in some divisional rankings being shaken up. Let’s take a look at the three most important fights that are on the card ahead of the action this week.
Thiago Santos vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Both Thiago Santos and Magomed Ankalaev are ranked in the Top 10 when it comes to the light heavyweight division. Each of them are planning to make a run at the title by picking up a huge win in this upcoming fight, but only one will get it done. Santos was on a three-fight losing streak before finally coming back out on top against Johnny Walker with a unanimous decision in his latest outing. It is going to be tough for him to keep this streak going against Ankalaev, a fighter that has won seven straight.
Looking at their careers, this is a fight that neither man can really afford to lose. Santos has lost more than he has won in his last five, which could bring up some questions regarding his ability to contend for a title. Ankalaev, on the other hand has taken care of lesser opponents, but hasn’t really fought a huge contender just yet.
Marlon Moraes vs. Song Yadong
Marlon Moraes is a former title contender that hasn’t been fighting at the top of his game lately. He has dropped three straight fights and four of his last five as he walks into this bout. The 33-year-old is desperately hoping to finally pick up his first win in over two years when he meets Song Yadong.
Yadong is a 24-year-old fighter that has quickly amassed a record of 7-1-1 in his UFC career. Yadong lost a fight to Kyler Phillips at the beginning of 2021, but bounced back with a win over Casey Kenny and followed that up with another win over Julio Arce.
Moraes could prove that he still has it by taking down this up-and-coming fighter or Yadong could win and prove that he deserves to be in title contention.
Sodiq Yusuff vs. Alex Caceres
Sodiq Yusuff and Alex Caceres are both representing the featherweight division in a bout that should deliver fireworks. Yusuff started his run in the UFC by winning four straight matches before dropping one to Arnold Allen back in April. He has fast, yet powerful hands, which is why he’s a great striker. It is a reason that half of his career wins have come in the form of a knockout.
His opponent, Caceres, is bound to take that into consideration. He has on a five-fight winning streak entering this Saturday with a huge comeback win against Seung Woo Choi in his last match after taking an illegal knee to the head early on. Yusuff is ranked in the Top 15 already while Caceres is on track to rise up the rankings with a win in this one.