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When? January 25th
Where? Anaheim, California
Why? Bellator has Cyborg's debut in Inglewood that night & I'm 100% sure Dana wants to stick to Cyborg & Bellator just like he tried a few years back with UFC 208, which was eventually moved to February. It was originally set in Anaheim to counter program Tito vs Chael taking place in Inglewood the same night.
They also countered Bellator in January 2 years ago w/ UFC 220, & they tried last year with UFC 233 which is still postponed I believe.
Who headlines? Not recovering champions Cejudo & Stipe. Israel & Khabib targeting March. Zhang & Shevy are not bigger enough to headline. Conor has many legal issues. Leaves Jones vs Reyes since Reyes took no damage vs Weidman. 13 weeks isnt that long of a turnaround, especially compared to Jones who fought Bader & Shogun within 6 weeks or so. Dana will tell him take the title shot now or wait an extra 15 months like Colby had to(ufc 229 to 245).
The card:
Jones vs Reyes
Zhang vs Rose
Romero vs Cannonier
Perry vs Price
Vera vs Font
The maincard probably wont come to fruition but I feel confident about the top 2 fights. Jones wants to fight, the UFC wants Zhang on a big American card, & Rose is training again. If Rose doesn't want it they may give her Shevy in a 125 superfight. Or maybe Marina Rodriguez who isn't ranked high but is coming off a dominant win vs Torres, which was good enough to get Zhang her shot.
Where? Anaheim, California
Why? Bellator has Cyborg's debut in Inglewood that night & I'm 100% sure Dana wants to stick to Cyborg & Bellator just like he tried a few years back with UFC 208, which was eventually moved to February. It was originally set in Anaheim to counter program Tito vs Chael taking place in Inglewood the same night.
They also countered Bellator in January 2 years ago w/ UFC 220, & they tried last year with UFC 233 which is still postponed I believe.
Who headlines? Not recovering champions Cejudo & Stipe. Israel & Khabib targeting March. Zhang & Shevy are not bigger enough to headline. Conor has many legal issues. Leaves Jones vs Reyes since Reyes took no damage vs Weidman. 13 weeks isnt that long of a turnaround, especially compared to Jones who fought Bader & Shogun within 6 weeks or so. Dana will tell him take the title shot now or wait an extra 15 months like Colby had to(ufc 229 to 245).
The card:
Jones vs Reyes
Zhang vs Rose
Romero vs Cannonier
Perry vs Price
Vera vs Font
The maincard probably wont come to fruition but I feel confident about the top 2 fights. Jones wants to fight, the UFC wants Zhang on a big American card, & Rose is training again. If Rose doesn't want it they may give her Shevy in a 125 superfight. Or maybe Marina Rodriguez who isn't ranked high but is coming off a dominant win vs Torres, which was good enough to get Zhang her shot.