Albuquerque, New Mexico, is suddenly a hot property. And that’s because of more than just its high average daily temperatures, am I right?
Yes, I’m very right. The setting for the cultural touchstone that was Breaking Bad also is a new mecca for combat sports. A modern-day Philly for the MMA set. That’s thanks to the vaunted Greg Jackson/Mike Winkeljohn training center, home of luminaries like Jon Jones, Carlos Condit and quite a few more.
Now the UFC is honoring this gravity shift by staging its first Albuquerque card, UFC Fight Night 42 this Saturday. In the main event, former lightweight champ Benson Henderson will try to return to the title-talk table at the expense of Rustam Khabilov, the fast-rising Dagestani who is one of several fighters representing Jackson/Winkeljohn on the slate.
But there’s intrigue all up and down the card, from Fight Pass to finale. Here’s a complete guide, including information capsules, predictions and viewing coordinates for each and every contest. Let’s get it on.