Did you know the UFC actually has the MGM Grand booked for the entire weekend? UFC 189 is getting so much attention that it seems no one even knows The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale is going to take place in the same building on Sunday.
After Chad Mendes and Conor McGregor battle on Saturday night, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson will take on Jake "The Juggernaut" Ellenberger in the main event of TUF 21.
Ellenberger is coming off a huge, potentially career-saving win in his last bout against Josh Koscheck. He submitted Koscheck to snap a three-fight losing streak. He now faces one of the most exciting and athletic welterweights in the UFC.
Thompson's dynamic striking makes him a potential highlight in every fight. He hasn't fought since winning a unanimous decision over Patrick Cote in September 2014, though. He was supposed to take on Brandon Thatch in the main event of UFC Fight Night 60, but a rib injury forced him out. Benson Henderson came up in weight and replaced him, submitting Thatch.
Wonderboy now has another opportunity to shine in a main event. If he wins, he'll put himself in position to join the top 15 in the division. He talks about Ellenberger and the preparation for the fight in this interview with Fox Sports' Karyn Bryant:
Ellenberger may need this win even more than Thompson. Another victory would validate him as a formidable welterweight contender. Ellenberger (30) is two years younger than Thompson (32), but he has far more wear on his proverbial tires.
His shelf life will be shortened with a fourth loss in five fights.
The best fights seem to happen when both fighters are hungry and desperate for a victory. Hopefully, we'll see a good battle in this one.
The TUF finales are supposed to be about the top talent from the current season of the series, but quite honestly, something was missing from this season. Kamaru Usman has scary power, and he'll represent the Blackzilians in the finale.
Usman will face Hayder "Hulk" Hassan from American Top Team, who has even more power in his hands. Usman is the better wrestler and submissions fighter, but he must be careful against Hulk. While both have their qualities, neither has the MMA community anxiously awaiting his arrival.
The two men traded barbs in a recent interview with Bryant of Fox Sports' TUF Talk. Usman called Hassan "overrated." Hassan retorted, calling Usman "an idiot."
Things are getting testy. Perhaps these two can add the spark the 21st season of the reality show lacked.
Here's a look at the complete card:
Other Fights to Watch
Jorge "Gamebred" Masvidal vs. Cezar "Mutante" Ferreira
If you make a list of the most underrated fighters in the UFC, Jorge Masvidal's name should be at the top of the list. He's is tough as nails. His chin is exemplary. His ground game is spectacular. The only thing missing from his repertoire is major knockout power.
That might be why he doesn't get the props he deserves.
On Sunday, he'll face a fighter many might call the most overhyped fighter in the promotion. Ferreira came into the UFC with a great reputation, but he's yet to put together an impressive performance against a noteworthy opponent.
He's been stopped twice via punches. Most recently, Sam Alvey knocked him out at UFC Fight Night 61 in February. Ferreira fought at middleweight most of his career, but he's making the trip down to 170 pounds in hopes of finding the success many predicted he'd have in the UFC.
If Ferreira loses again, he can cancel any thoughts of joining the ranks of the elite.
Michelle "The Karate Hottie" Waterson vs. Angela "Your Majesty" Magana
With a name like The Karate Hottie, it's clear Michelle Waterson not only knows how to fight but understands marketing. Her looks are stunning, but Angela Magana will aim to change that—at least temporarily on Sunday.
Waterson is making her UFC debut and hopes to make a splash in the promotion's strawweight division. The 29-year-old from Colorado Springs, Colorado, defeated Yasuko Tamada to win the Invicta Atomweight Championship. She lost it in her last bout against Herica Tiburcio, but she still arrives in the UFC with a good amount of fanfare.
An impressive win would only boost her popularity.
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