UFC 238 Preview

UFC 238 Preview

By Anuj Datta

The UFC rolls into Chi-Town on June 8th, at the United Center. Two title fights are featured at the top of the main card – Henry Cejudo vs Marlon Moraes for the bantamweight title, and Valentina Shevchenko vs Jessica Eye for the flyweight title.

Controversy surrounded the 135lb champ TJ Dillashaw, which led to him ultimately relinquishing the belt after a failed drug test.

Many contenders were in consideration to fight for the vacant strap, many of whom are also fighting at this event. Cejudo and Moraes got the nod, which had fight fans salivating. The legitimate tension between the two was palpable at the press conference, with Moraes stating he should be facing a more worthy adversary.

Cejudo has a valid claim, he beat the former champion and was promised the same opportunity, a chance to become a “champ champ”. The back and forth became heated, a rare occurrence as both men belong to the same stable which is known for its brotherhood mentality – Dominance MMA. Ali Abdel Aziz, manager to both, played down the rivalry but the dislike is clear to see. Cejudo’s constant brag about being an Olympic gold medallist has become a meme amongst fight fans, but irks Moraes who doesn’t believe the hype.

Whilst Cejudo might be a slight favourite after back to back wins over Demetrious Johnson and a steroid induced TJ Dillashaw, Moraes is not to be underestimated. A former WSOF champion who has demonstrated his finishing ability in the UFC; with a 67 second knockout of Aljamain Sterling and 33 second knockout of Jimmie Rivera back to back – he will be looking to send “The Messenger” back to the flyweight division with a bang.

“Bullet” Shevchenko will make her first title defence against veteran Jessica Eye. In a new and relatively shallow division, Eye put herself in pole position with 3 wins in 2018. That however, came off a 4-fight losing streak. Shevchenko is the overwhelming favourite, the multiple time Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion has had a glittering combat career so far and isn’t done yet.

In a showcase of the lightweight division’s finest, Donald Cerrone and Tony Ferguson go to war in a high stakes’ bout. Arguably the most anticipated on the card, “Cowboy” looks to make it 4 straight wins at 155lbs, against a man who has the longest current win streak in the UFC with 11.

The winner cannot be denied the next shot at the gold. Cerrone is looking to make a run at the title after his new-born son has provided him with motivation he never had before, while “El Cucuy” aims to solidify his claim as the real champion, after he was stripped of his interim crown due to injury.

Jimmie Rivera and Petr Yan will be keeping a close eye on the main event, whilst looking to impress themselves. Yan is 4-0 in the UFC, but has his toughest test to date in Rivera. The winner will most likely have to win once more before a title shot as they sit in the second half of the top 10 rankings.

Cody Garbrandt has expressed interest in fighting the winner.

A clash of the titans kicks off the show, Tai Tuivasa is looking to bounce back from his defeat to JDS, when he takes on Blagoy Ivanov. “Bam Bam” is one of the most exciting fighters in the heavyweight division, while Ivanov is known more for his toughness and durability. Classic young lion vs old lion, the victor will be hoping for a top 10 fight next.

The co-main is one of five female bouts on the card, a more even spread then what fight fans are usually accustomed to. A welcome exhibition of the flyweight and strawweight division.

The main event divides opinion, a world class wrestler with improved striking skills against an all rounded explosive martial artist. Will Cejudo add weight to his claim of being the best pound for pound athlete in the UFC, or can Magic Moraes make him disappear from the division once and for all?