The co-main event of UFC 291 will see two former champions collide as former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz welcomes former middleweight champion Alex Pereira to the 205-pound division in a bout that has major ramifications for the light heavyweight title picture.
The UFC’s BMF title is back in circulation, and two of the most exciting fighters on the planet are set to face off for the UFC’s unique championship belt on Saturday, July 29.
Alex Pereira stunned Israel Adesanya, and Madison Square Garden, with a dramatic final-round flurry to turn the fight on its head, stop Adesanya and capture the undisputed UFC middleweight title at UFC 281.
The stars of UFC 281 – two champions, challengers, and fan favourites – cut their final pounds ahead of Friday morning's weigh-in. Then it's one more pre-fight showdown at the ceremonials held at Radio City Music Hall.
Champs Israel Adesanya and Carla Esparza join their opponents at the UFC 281 presser; Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier face off. Zhang Weili and Frankie Edgar train for their next chapters. Izzy and Alex Pereira pose at a landmark.
Champ Carla Esparza and Michael Chandler take in their billboard. Dustin Poirier loosens up in the ring. Molly McCann meets a legend. Zhang Weili crosses paths with Esparza. At media day, champion Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira talk up their main event.
It's fight week in New York City and today marks the "fight before the fight," as the stars of UFC 281 take to the scale for the official early-morning weigh-ins ahead of fight night at Madison Square Garden.
Michael Chandler said that he's ready to follow up his 2021 Fight of the Year clash at MSG with Justin Gaethje with another big performance against Dustin Poirier, as he said he had no problem trying to match his previous performance at the iconic arena.
Michael Chandler gets a ride from a friend. Alex Pereira packs for a life-changing week. Champ Carla Esparza enjoys the perks of her job. Champ Israel Adesanya and team push hard. Dustin Poirier, Molly McCann and Zhang Weili check in.
Champ Israel Adesanya takes in some fine art. Alex Pereira sweats in the fresh air. Michael Chandler eyes redemption at MSG and trains with Kamaru Usman. Champ Carla Esparza embraces the process. Zhang Weili lands in NYC.