UFC president Dana White promised he was bringing back sports for good — and it certainly feels that way as the UFC prepares to host its second event in five days.
After postponing all events from March 14 to May 9 because of the coronavirus pandemic, the UFC is looking to make up for lost time with a midweek UFC Fight Night. Tonight’s headliner will feature former light heavyweight title contenders Anthony Smith (32-14) and Glover Teixeira (30-7). It will take place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, and air on ESPN+ beginning at 6 p.m. ET.
For Smith, 31, it’s an opportunity to build off a stoppage win over Alexander Gustafsson in his last outing, and continue his push toward a second UFC title shot. The Nebraska native has promised he will earn his way to a rematch against Jon Jones, whom he lost to in 2019.
Teixeira, 40, has a similar motive, although his comes with a higher sense of urgency. The Brazilian’s title hopes appeared to be all but gone from 2016 to 2018, when he dropped three of five appearances, but he has since rattled off three consecutive wins. An upset of Smith would crack the door for Teixeira for one more shot at a title.
There are 10 bouts total on Wednesday’s card, featuring veterans such as heavyweights Andrei Arlovski and Ben Rothwell, as well as an intriguing prospect in Ricky Simon. And when the night is over, the UFC will immediately turn around and look forward to its next event in Jacksonville, which will take place Saturday.
Brett Okamoto, Marc Raimondi and Jeff Wagenheim will recap the action as it unfolds.
Still to come
Light heavyweight: Anthony Smith (32-14, -180) vs. Glover Teixeira (30-7, +150)
Heavyweight: Ben Rothwell (37-12, +120) vs. Ovince Saint Preux (24-13, -150)
Lightweight: Alexander Hernandez (11-2, -110) vs. Drew Dober (22-9, -120)
Bantamweight: Ricky Simon (15-3, -170) vs. Ray Borg (13-4, +140)
Heavyweight: Andrei Arlovski (28-19, +145) vs. Philipe Lins (14-3, -175)
Lightweight: Michael Johnson (20-15, -110) vs. Thiago Moises (12-4, -120)
Bantamweight: Sijara Eubanks (5-4, -350) vs. Sarah Moras (6-6, +275)
Lightweight: Gabriel Benitez 21-8, +150) vs. Omar Morales (9-0, -180)
Bantamweight: Hunter Azure (8-0, -190) vs. Brian Kelleher (20-10, +160)
Heavyweight: Chase Sherman (14-6, -155) vs. Isaac Villanueva (16-9, +125)
