UFC 197 Officially Featuring 2 Title Fights
When the UFC’s 2016 schedule was laid out, UFC 197 was set to take place in Rio De Janeiro. The years most anticipated event and expected to be the years biggest event was UFC 200, but that has all officially changed.
After being known but not official for well over a week, UFC 197 is set for March 5th, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event will see UFC Featherweight Champion of the World Conor McGregor (19-2) looking to become the first man in UFC history to hold 2 titles at one time, when he challenges Rafael Dos Anjos (25-7) for the UFC Lightweight Championship of the World. The co-main event will see Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm (10-0) making her first defense of the Woman’s UFC Bantamweight Championship of the World, against former Strikefore champion Miesha “Cupcake” Tate (17-5).
McGregor before signing with the UFC was the Featherweight and Lightweight Champion in the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship, promotion. The “Notorious” one is 7-0 in the octagon with 5 straight knock out wins including taking the UFC Featherweight Championship from Jose Aldo at UFC 194 in just 13 seconds. Dos Anjos has won 10 of 11 and 5 straight; including retaining his Championship at UFC on Fox 17 with a 66 second TKO win over Donald Cerrone.
Tate has not fought since July of 2015, when she won her 4th fight in a row, with a unanimous decision win over Jessica Eye; in what was at the time being called a number one contender fight. Tate was instead passed over for the title shot, that went to former multiple time Boxing World Champion, undefeated in MMA Holly Holm; who at UFC 193 landed the kick heard around the world dethroning Ronda Rousey of the title.
The card will also see at Welterweight Brazilian Erick Silva (18-6-0, 1nc) squaring off with Canadian Noridine Taleb (11-3). Silva has won 2 of his last 3, but will be looking to rebound from a split decision over Neil Magny. Taleb has won 3 of 4 inside the octagon but is coming off a submission loss to Walley Alves.
The newest addition to the card is a Light Heavyweight bout that will see TUF 19 winner Cory “Beastin 2 5/8” Anderson (7-1), who’s won consecutive decisions over Jan Blachowicz and Fabio Maldonado, against TUF 8 alum, “Filthy” Tom Lawlor (10-5), who’s also won 2 in a row; most recently returning from dealing with injuries fro 2 year to score a 2nd round TKO of Gian Villante.
In a side story it’s note worthy that UFC president Dana White has announced former UFC Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey will not be competing at UFC 200.
Champion: Rafael Dos Anjos (25-7) vs. Conor McGregor (19-2)
Champion: Holly Holm (10-0) vs. Miesha Tate (17-5)
Erick Silva (18-6-0, 1nc) vs. Nordine Taleb (11-3)
Cory Anderson (7-1) vs. Tom Lawlor (10-5)
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