The UFC is set to host a fight card at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, headlined by a heavyweight clash between Derrick Lewis and Rodrigo Nascimento. Lewis, known for his KO power and unpredictable style, remains a fan favorite despite not being a serious title contender. Nascimento, on the other hand, is looking to prove himself by taking on the veteran Lewis and possibly moving up in the rankings.
In the co-main event, local up-and-comer Joaquin Buckley will face Nurzulton Ruziboev in what promises to be an explosive encounter. Buckley, riding a three-fight win streak, is facing the tall and skilled Ruziboev, who poses a physical challenge for Buckley. The matchup will showcase Buckley’s athleticism and skills against Ruziboev’s size and reach advantage, making it an intriguing fight to watch.
The main card also includes a light heavyweight bout between Alonzo Menifield and Carlos Ulberg, a lightweight matchup featuring Diego Ferreira and Mateusz Rębecki, and a featherweight clash between Alex Caceres and Sean Woodson, among others. The early start time for the main card and prelims is worth noting for fans looking to tune in to the event.
The prelims card features exciting matchups such as Chase Hooper vs. Viacheslav Borshchev and Terrance McKinney vs. Esteban Ribovics, as well as a women’s flyweight bout between JJ Aldrich and Veronica Hardy. The undercard fights will set the stage for the main card battles and provide an opportunity for rising fighters to showcase their skills.
In another heavyweight battle on the main card, Waldo Cortes-Acosta will take on Robelis Despaigne, who made a statement in his UFC debut by finishing his opponent in 18 seconds. Despaigne, with a 5-0 record, will face Cortes-Acosta, who represents a significant step up in competition for him. Both fighters will look to prove themselves in this matchup and continue their climb in the heavyweight division.
Overall, the UFC St. Louis event promises to deliver exciting fights and intriguing storylines for fans. With a mix of veteran fighters like Lewis and up-and-coming talents like Buckley and Despaigne, the fight card offers something for every MMA enthusiast to enjoy. As the fighters step into the Octagon in St. Louis, they will look to make their mark and elevate their status in the competitive world of mixed martial arts.
