UFC 213 sees the two best female bantamweights in the world go head to head for the second time. Amanda Nunes will defend her belt against Valentina Shevchenko in a highly anticipated rematch inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The first time the pair met back in March 2016, the “Lioness” put on a striking clinic and bullied Shevchenko on her way to a unanimous decision victory.
Since that contest, Shevchenko has beaten both Holly Holm and Julianna Pena, earning her shot at the title and her chance at revenge. However, Nunes has enjoyed two impressive wins since their original encounter with first round finishes over both Miesha Tate and Ronda Rousey.
In a match that is as tight as this, it is nigh-on impossible to call. Bookies, pundits and fans alike have steered well clear of favouring either fighter in this one and it is evident to see why.
Michael Bisping’s foes Romero and Whittaker battle for the interim-middleweight title at UFC 213
In the co-main event of the evening, Yoel Romero and Robert Whittaker battle it out for the interim UFC middleweight title. Romero, who has been subject of talks with Bisping for some time, may finally have his wish granted this weekend.
However, in his way stands a man who can not be counted out. After accumulating six wins on the bounce, Whittaker defied all odds and made it seven when he finished Jacare Souza with a series of clubbing punches. Whittaker fully believes he is the best in the business and will have the chance to prove so.
Romero has amassed an astonishing eight consecutive wins since 2013 and has looked awe-inspiring in doing so. A world-class wrestler but a prolific striker, Romero is the definition of a well-rounded fighter and will be able to rely on his Olympic grade wrestling should Whittaker look to stand and trade.
Another fight in which the bookies are afraid to call a favourite in, the fight has many people intrigued as to whether Romero truly is the best 185lb’er on the planet or whether Whittaker is the future star of the division.
Elsewhere at UFC 213, in what is likely to be an eliminator for the heavyweight championship, No.1 contender Fabricio Werdum faces off against the vastly experienced Alistair Overeem.
With 85 recorded professional results between the pair, it is clear that both men have both the know-how and the experience to win the fight in numerous ways. Despite their ages, 37 (Overeem) and 39 (Werdum), they are still at the peak of their powers and will be looking to earn one last shot at the title.
Werdum has had just one solitary fight after suffering a defeat to Stipe Miocic, with a unanimous decision victory over Travis Browne. Browne although, has been known somewhat as punch bag in recent times.
Overeem has also had one fight since his encounter with the heavyweight champion in the form of a knockout victory over Mark Hunt. In a tricky affair, Overeem landed a beautiful knee to the face of Hunt, stopping the fight.
Other notable fights include Anthony Pettis vs. Jim Miller, Thiago Santos vs. Gerald Meerschaert, Travis Browne vs. Aleksei Oleinik and Rob Font vs. Douglas Silva De Andrade.
UFC 113 Fight Card
Women’s Bantamweight Title Bout: Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko
Interim Middleweight Title Bout: Yoel Romero vs. Robert Whittaker
Heavyweight Bout: Curtis Blaydes vs. Daniel Omielanczuk
Heavyweight Bout: Fabricio Werdum vs. Alistair Overeem
Lightweight Bout: Anthony Pettis vs. Jim Miller
Heavyweight Bout: Travis Browne vs. Aleksei Oleinik
Welterweight Bout: Chad Laprise vs. Brian Camozzi
Middleweight Bout: Thiago Santos vs. Gerald Meerschaert
Welterweight Bout: Jordan Mein vs. Belal Muhammad
Bantamweight Bout: Rob Font vs. Douglas Andrade
Featherweight Bout: Cody Stamann vs. Terrion Ware
Light-Heavyweight Bout: James Bochnovic vs. Trevin Giles
