Singapore Indoor Stadium, Kallang, Singapore.
Kicking off the main card Saturday night is friend of the show, Jack Della Maddalena (11-2-0). The 170 pounder has been unstoppable since his first and second pro fights, both of which were losses. With an 11 fight win streak on the line, he hopes to add one more name to that list in Ramazan Emeev (20-5-0). Emeev is clearly no slouch, and if the fight goes his way, it will result in a long drawn-out decision. Unfortunately for the Russian, Jack has been hell bent on finishing his opponents in spectacular fashion.
Main Event:
The 42 year-old Brazilian, Glover Teixeira (33-7-0, Light Heavyweight Champion), is coming off one of the most inspiring title capturing runs in history, proving that experience is indeed worth its weight in gold. And as a reward for his best efforts, he will get to face a 29 year old with everything to prove, Juri Prochazka (28-3-1). If you’re thinking that the man bun is overplayed, think again. Juri’s top-knot might as well be a fountain of testosterone for the Czech martial artist. Of his last 13 attempts walking in, he has walked out with his hand raised 13 times. Expect to hear the phrase, “And new Light Heavyweight Champion,” when it’s all said and done.
Co-Main Event:
Taila Santos (19-1-0) is a talent. The Brazilian fighter has an impressive record with only one blemish on it. As a result of facing stiffer competition recently, she’s been unable to close out the show with a finish. And worse yet, there aren’t any names on her record that we can look back on to compare with her upcoming opponent.
The “Bullet” Valentina Shevchenko (22-3-0, Flyweight Champion) has been on a different level, only losing to Amanda Nunes since 2010. Everyone has a puncher’s chance, sure. But the likelihood of Taila Santos surviving the Bullet are slim.
Fight of the Century re-match?
This Strawweight matchup between Zhang Weili (21-3-0) and Joanna Jedrzejczyk (16-4-0) has to be one of the most sought-after rematches in UFC history. The two put on such a spectacular performance in their first encounter that we can only hope for more of the same. And though Weili got the split-decision W back in March of 2020, keep in mind it was a five round fight. Will three rounds be enough for her to edge out Joanna this time? Will Joanna’s forehead be able withstand the beating again? After a two year lay-off, will Joanna Jedrzejczyk still have what it takes to compete at the highest level? There are a lot more questions surrounding this fight than answers. I think it will be a quick night for the two with Weili getting an early finish.
-Dan Straub
