Following a brief pause, UFC makes its anticipated return this weekend. The action-packed event, UFC Denver, is marked on the calendar for July 13, 2024. Positioned at the heart of the action in the Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado, the event promises to thrill audiences. The headlining duel sees former women’s strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas, squaring off against emerging talent Tracy Cortez, in the highlight of UFC on ESPN 59. Certainly, an adrenaline-fuelled evening in Denver is on the horizon.
The original main card was set to see Rose Namajunas facing Maycee Barber. However, due to unforeseen health complications, Maycee Barber had to step away from the ring. Consequently, Tracy Cortez was called up to fill in the vacant spot against Namajunas, just a week before UFC Denver.
But the main card doesn’t stop there. An enthralling showdown between the fiery lightweight fighters Drew Dober and Mike Davis is also on the agenda. Toting an impressive history of 27 victories, 13 losses, and zero non-contests, Dober prepares to give a memorable performance. On the other hand, Davis, with an equally notable record of 11 wins, 2 losses, and zero unresolved bouts, is on a quest to leave his mark.
Originally, Mike Davis was slated to duel with Jean Silva in UFC 303. Nonetheless, fate had other plans. Silva was forced to pull out due to a severe torn bicep injury. He stepped down, paving the way for Davis to replace him.
It’s pertinent to reflect on Silva’s last fight. Only two weeks back, Silva was part of UFC 303, where he successfully secured a victory over Charles Jourdain. Silva’s recent win record adds another layer of intrigue to Davis’s game plan for the upcoming Denver clash.
The main card further is flavoured by two energetic welterweight bouts. One of which includes Santiago Ponzinibbio and Muslim Salikhov squaring off. The other promises just as much excitement, with Gabriel Bonfim duking it out with Ange Loosa in the octagon.
The action of UFC Denver isn’t kept exclusive to attendees. Fans worldwide can join in on the heart-pounding excitement from the comfort of their homes. Global audiences can stream the event live on ESPN+ and the UFC Fight Pass app, ensuring no one misses a beat.
There’s more to UFC Denver than the main card matchups. The event brims with talented fighters in its Prelims section. Those include a featherweight contest between Julian Erosa and Christian Rodriguez, and a middleweight competition pitting Abdul Razak Alhassan against Cody Brundage.
A Flyweight contest adds more heat to the Prelims, featuring Viviane Araujo and Jasmine Jasudavicius. All poised and prepared, these fighters are sure to provide an equally exhilarating experience as their main card counterparts.
Another flyweight set-to follows, as Luana Santos prepares to meet Mariya Agapova in the octagon. Both Santos and Agapova are eager to showcase their skills, adding another layer of anticipation to UFC Denver.
The final Prelim to watch for is a middleweight conflict starring Josh Fremd and Andre Petroski. Rounding out an already compelling lineup, this fight is sure to get hearts pounding even before the main card begins.
Meanwhile, in the background of UFC Denver, an intriguing story unfolds. UFC Champion Ilia Topuria has reportedly been dodging a bout with the iconic Conor McGregor, who seems disappointed with the avoidance.
McGregor has apparently already accepted defeat, according to some sources. This unexpected revelation adds a new layer to UFC Denver, as audiences debate the reasons behind Topuria’s reluctance to face McGregor.
Despite the buzz surrounding this avoided duel, UFC Denver has a bounty of action to offer. Each fight represents an intense collision of strategy, skill, and determination, showcasing the best of what UFC has to offer.
As we count down the days to the event, speculation and anticipation build. Fans around the world wait with bated breath to see which fighters will triumph and which will be sent back to the drawing board. Regardless of the outcomes, one thing is certain – UFC Denver will be a night to remember.
UFC Denver represents more than just a competitive event; it is a testament to the raw, uncompromising spirit of the sport, a spectacle showcasing the endurance and courage of its fighters. As each of them steps into the octagon, they carry with them not only their training and strategy but also the hopes and cheers of fans around the world. Mark your calendars now, UFC Denver is not an event to be missed.