UFC 268 is this weekend. In this UFC 268 preview, where we break down this amazing card. There is real beef involved in this pay-per-view. We have two title fights and some serious title eliminators to discuss. In this UFC 268 preview, we will look at the Welterweight title fight that is dripping in drama. We have a monster at Straw weight that wants her title back, two top Lightweight foes that look to make the other go to sleep, and a MMA legend going against a real bully that could care less about past accomplishments. So with no further ado, let’s get started.
Edgar vs Vera
Mike Tyson once coined the phrase, “everyone has a plan until they get hit in the mouth.” Marlon “Chito” Vera must have taken that to heart because that seems to be the motto he lives by. If you are new to MMA, or want to get into it, he is the man to watch. Vera is instant action every time he fights. He is one of the toughest fighters in the world. Chito also has a mouth on him. He doesn’t mind calling others out and he isn’t shy to say what’s on his mind.
Frankie Edgar is a UFC legend in every sense of the word. He is the ultimate underdog because of what he did being small but making it to championship glory at 155 lbs. Now he is on a career resurgence at 135 lbs, and has been handling his business. Edgar is known as “The Answer”, but will he be able to solve Chito?
Chito Vera Fight week LFG?????????????????? pic.twitter.com/xczgbnLmcj
— Not Yan ? (@NotToxicMessiah) November 1, 2021
Gaethje vs Chandler
Justin Gaethje is accomplished in the UFC. He is a former Lightweight champion that has fought top tier talent since his first day in the UFC. That streak will continue Saturday when he faces former three-time Bellator champ and All-American wrestler Michael Chandler. Chandler and Gaethje both have lost title fights recently, so this is a great match up to get back into the title picture. It might be safe to say that the winner of this fight could potentially get a future title shot, especially if Poirier continues his hunt for big money fights, instead of title clashes.
Just got to hang out with this guy virtually for an hour. Love what I do. And I love bringing the most inspiring people in the world to you via Success Through Failure #stfpod #ufc268 @MikeChandlerMMA pic.twitter.com/OPp9uGjv2M
— Jim Harshaw, Jr. ? (@jimharshaw) October 11, 2021
Namajunas vs Weili 2
Rose Namajunas is an inspirational story of perseverance. She won’t quit for anything or anyone. Namajunas can be perceived as an underdog at times too. At UFC 268, even though she’s the champ, I still feel she’s an underdog. While Thug Rose did knock out Zhang Weili with a vicious head kick at UFC 261, I don’t see lightening striking twice. Rose is a two-time champ, but she pulled off major upsets both times. This time I see Weili totally dominating the fight and with her precision striking, Namajunas might be sleeping and not by her own volition. Weili is a dangerous, focused, intense woman already. Can you imagine her mindset now that she is looking for vindication? I see a fight bonus in her future.
I don’t know how anyone thinks Rose landed a flukey shot against Weili. She made Zhang think she was going low and come up top beautifuly. If Izzy or Yan did that everyone would be ecstatic. pic.twitter.com/kNb6qUmDne
— WengerMMA (@WengerMma) November 1, 2021
Usman vs Covington 2
American music mogul Bryan Williams once demanded that people start to put some “respeck” on his name. I think it’s past due, but the MMA community has to start doing the same for Kamura Usman. He is officially the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. I know several MMA purists may get upset, but he is the greatest Welterweight of all time (sorry GSP). Let’s be real, if he wasn’t the champ, no one would fathom fighting him. He could go up to Middleweight and be champ, but he has too much admiration for Isreal Adesanya to face his countryman. Usman has almost emptied the entire division, and I don’t envision that changing this weekend.
Colby Covington can fight. He is a world class wrestler. While he resorts to disgusting tactics outside of the cage to gain notoriety, he does play the bad guy well. I feel the UFC should have kept it real and given this shot to Leon Edwards, but they went another direction. In their first clash, Usman broke Covington’s face and his will to regain the gold. Normally losing in that fashion doesn’t get you a rematch, but it did this time. Colby will have to make serious adjustments to just avoid getting knocked out again, let alone win. I don’t think he has the skill to compete with Usman. My only ask is if Usman wins this fight, Covington should go to the back of the line in regards to title opportunities.
Check Mate✌?!!! ????? #AndStill pic.twitter.com/BN5lMb5m4l
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) February 20, 2021
Conclusion
This card has me excited. This coupled with Canelo fighting will make for an exciting night of combat sports on Saturday. I think Usman will retain and Weili will regain. I think it’s Chito’s time to shine too. Gaethje and Chandler is a tough pick, but Gaethje should pull it out, but never underestimate the heart of Chandler. Now that you’ve read this UFC 268 preview, enjoy the fights. I know I will.
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