The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to return to the Pacific Northwest with UFC Seattle, planned to take place on the 22nd of February, 2025. On December 23, the UFC revealed an exciting lineup featuring household names and promising athletes for this much-anticipated event. The high-profile clashes involve seasoned fighters such as Edson Barboza and Curtis Blaydes, along with a highly charged bout between Jean Silva and Melsik Bagdhasaryan.
One of the main events that fans eagerly await features the seasoned Edson Barboza squaring off against rising sensation Steve Garcia. With an impressive record of over 30 UFC fights under his belt, Barboza’s experience in the Octagon is unmatched. This battle will be a testament to Barboza’s resilience and Garcia’s ascension.
Steve Garcia, a consummate young contender, currently holds one of the most substantial UFC finish streaks at five. After his comeback victory over Maheshate in 2022, Garcia has been on an unstoppable roll in the featherweight division. He will now face the stern test of the experienced Barboza.
Contrarily, Edson Barboza comes into this fight having shown varying forms in his recent matches. In 2023, Barboza was on a winning spree with back-to-back victories over significant opponents Billy Quarantillo and Sodiq Yusuf. Unfortunately, he suffered a significant setback with a dominant defeat against Lerone Murphy at UFC Vegas 92 in May.
Another matchup in UFC Seattle that has drawn the interest of fans globally is between Ketlen Vieira and Macy Chiasson. Details around this fight are awaited with keen interest, and it promises to be one worth watching given the impeccable track records of both fighters.
The heavyweight division will also see some action as Curtis Blaydes comes head to head with Russia’s Rizvan Kuniev. Making his debut, Kuniev has already created ripples with his emphatic first-round finish at the Contender Series in 2024. Blaydes, who ranks as the No. 5 heavyweight contender, is set on breaking his losing streak.
For Curtis Blaydes, this fight has more than just bragging rights. After his unexpected knockout at the hands of Tom Aspinall in the UFC 304, Blaydes faces a challenge. He needs to prevent having back-to-back losses on his professional record, adding more pressure and excitement to his return to the Octagon.
As we proceed down the lineup, Jean Silva versus Melsik Baghdasaryan promises to give fans their money’s worth. Jean Silva has been enjoying a wave of success, counting himself alongside fighting nerds Mauricio Ruffy and Carlos Prates as the only fighters who remain undefeated in 2024. Tensions are high, and Silva holds high stakes in this upcoming duel.
Two spectacular back-to-back stoppages over Charles Jourdain and Drew Dober have only solidified Silva’s position among the fighting nerds. With a return to the featherweight division on the horizon, Silva is set to take on a new challenge in the form of Baghdasaryan and defend his undefeated streak in 2024.
Baghdasaryan, aptly nicknamed ‘The Gun’ for his destructive kickboxing skills and lightning-speed kicks, is a formidable opponent. Despite experiencing an unexpected loss to Josh Culibao in 2023, Baghdasaryan showcased his unwavering spirit by securing a victory in the Octagon thereafter. He now has a potent opportunity to dethrone Silva and capture the limelight in Seattle.
As players and fans gear up for an electrifying night of battles, it’s crucial to keep in mind that the UFC Seattle lineup is provisional and subject to potential changes. However, as evidenced by the talent pool, it’s expected to be a night to remember in the UFC’s history.