Is it possible for UFC fight cards to have a playoff atmosphere?
I mean, no. There’s no playoffs, so no. But if by “playoff atmosphere” what you really mean is that a certain sporting event has a special, extra-level kind of feel to it, then yes.
That will happen when there are two titles on the line and 63 percent of your lineup has immediate divisional implications, as is the case with the bright and deep fight card that is UFC 189, which goes down this Saturday from Las Vegas.
Sure, the headliner lost some luster when Jose Aldo broke that rib. But it’s still plenty shiny thanks to Conor McGregor, probably the UFC’s biggest non-Ronda Rousey star at the moment, and the interim belt the UFC so graciously procured for the occasion in the absence of Aldo’s regular championship strap. And speaking of procuring things, how about Chad Mendes? That’s a pretty stiff test for the Irishman.
And we’ll get into that. But there’s also the matter of this other title fight, and there’s no interims about it. Champion Robbie Lawler will face a very compelling challenger in the young Canadian phenom, Mr. Rory MacDonald.
As alluded to previously, though, six of the evening’s 11 cards feature at least one immediate contender or someone who would become a contender with a win. That is pretty good. What follows is a complete guide to the card, including information capsules, predictions and viewing coordinates for each and every bout. Let’s get it on.