UFC 261: Usman vs Masvidal, Plus Two Title Fights
UFC 261 will be Zhang Weili’s first title defense in front of a capacity arena. It will also be the home of the long awaited rematch between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal.
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville sold out within hours of tickets being listed because UFC 261 is shaping up to be one of the best UFC events this year.
With three title fights and numerous interesting storylines, UFC 261 is well beyond a Usman – Masvidal rematch card.
UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal Quick Details
- Saturday, April 24, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida
- Main card: 10 p.m. ET, PPV
- Prelims: 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+
- Early prelims: 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+
Usman vs. Masvidal UFC 261 – mmaweekly.com
UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman Makes His Fourth Title Defense vs. Masvidal
UFC 261 will mark Usman’s fourth title defense, and his second vs Jorge Masvidal. In their previous matchup, Usman dominated Masvidal in a one-sided unanimous decision.
It is important to note that their first matchup was never supposed to happen. Masvidal filled in to fight Usman with only six days notice, cut 20lbs and had to fly across the globe to Abu Dhabi.
Usman publicly stated around the time of the fight that Masvidal only took the bout on short notice so he would have a built-in excuse in the case he lost. Masvidal on the other hand believes that even if he loses this second fight, it wont be his last chance at the title.
“I feel like every fight, I have to win,” Masvidal told ESPN. “But no, I don’t feel like [this is his last title opportunity] at all. I just feel like I’m going to win this fight, and I’m going to continue to do bigger and better things before I close the chapter on this MMA thing.”
Zhang Weili vs Rose Namajunas UFC 261 – mmanews.com
Zhang Weili Makes Her Second Title Defense vs. a Dangerous Rose Namajunas
Weili will be making her second title defense against former champion Rose Namajunas. Weili is coming off a thrilling, and grueling victory over Joanna Jedrzejczyk that many have considered the greatest women’s championship fight in UFC history.
Namajunas is a dangerous standup fighter who is poised to give Weili the toughest fight of her career.
