The UFC limps into the Steel City for a rare Sunday card. UFC Fight Night 83 contains some interesting matchups, as all UFC and many other MMA cards tend to do, but no one should pretend the metaphorical bloom is not off the metaphorical rose in this instance.
The misfortunes that befell this card and its fighters would feel like over-the-top comedic devices if we hadn’t watched them all happen in all-too-real time.
Exciting strikers Brandon Thatch and Sam Alvey were both injured and withdrew from their respective bouts. Ditto Trevor Smith and Sarah Moras. Knockout artist John Lineker caught dengue fever.
Most problematic for the card was Tim Means being flagged for a potential doping violation. Not only was he on the main event, but he was welcoming the famous Donald Cerrone to his new home in the welterweight division.
To its credit, the UFC found replacements in several of these cases, including the headliner. Cerrone will now face a dangerous competitor in Alex Oliveira. But let’s face facts: It’s not as compelling.
There’s a consolation prize, though: Cerrone and Oliveira are both nicknamed “Cowboy” That makes this an instant grudge match.
What about the other fights on the main card? Here’s our predictions team to take you through it and make the picks. Craig “Cookie” Amos. Steven Rondina. Nathan McCarter. Sydnie “Syd” Jones. And yours truly, Scott Harris. Let’s get it on.