Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland is set to headline UFC 293 in Sydney on Saturday. This fight stands out as the most anticipated one of the weekend, but there are also several other exciting matchups on the event’s card.
UFC 293 may not have high stakes or big names, but it offers plenty of entertainment. The event features a lineup of talented fighters from the Oceanic region, including Tai Tuivasa and Carlos Ulberg. Both Tuivasa and Ulberg are known for their knockout power and they are up against formidable opponents who bring their own firepower.
Here are three fights, apart from the main event, that you should keep an eye on this Saturday.
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Tai Tuivasa vs. Alexander Volkov
While not a headline attraction, the fight between Tuivasa and Volkov promises to be an entertaining affair. Tuivasa is a popular figure in the UFC, known for his vibrant personality and knockout ability. After consecutive losses to top contenders Sergei Pavlovich and Ciryl Gane, Tuivasa needs to regain his momentum from his previous five-fight finishing streak. Volkov, a former Bellator and M-1 heavyweight champion, poses a worthy challenge for Tuivasa. With two recent first-round knockouts under his belt, Volkov has only lost to elite heavyweights such as Gane, Tom Aspinall, and Curtis Blaydes. A victory for Tuivasa could help him regain his image, while a win for Volkov would be a significant achievement in the UFC heavyweight division.
Carlos Ulberg vs. Da un Jung
Expect fireworks when Ulberg and Jung step into the octagon. Ulberg has been making waves as a promising light heavyweight contender with four consecutive wins in the UFC, all ending in the first round. Jung, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back after two consecutive losses to Devin Clark and Dustin Jacoby. Known for his striking abilities, Jung holds a knockout win over Kennedy Nzechukwu, the only fighter to defeat Ulberg. This preliminary headliner is unlikely to go the distance.
Manel Kape vs. Felipe dos Santos
Originally scheduled to face Kai Kara-France, Kape now faces dos Santos in his UFC debut. Dos Santos, with a flawless 7-0 record, presents the toughest challenge of Kape’s career so far. While Kape is expected to dominate dos Santos, both fighters have shown a propensity for finishing their opponents, with only two fights going the distance between them. Expect an exciting matchup while it lasts.
