5 Things You Need to Know About UFC 263

UFC 263 is on the cards and fight fans have earmarked the championship-double header that takes place on July 12. Tickets have been sold out for the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. This is the UFC’s third stop since resuming pay-per-events in sold-out capacity arenas. The company had successful bids in Jacksonville, Florida, and Houston, Texas prior to UFC 261.

Let’s take a look at some standout highlights that UFC 263 has to offer fight fans as the countdown to the card begins.

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1 A star-studded main card line-up

The principle standout for UFC 263 is the line-up of fights that has fans excited. All but one of the fighters on the main card are ranked inside the top 15 making for compelling match-ups from a title picture. Nate Diaz is the only fighter who is not ranked in the upper echelon of his respective division. However, his star power is unparalleled and speaks for itself.

Not to mention, when there’s a clash between ranked fighters, it helps add clarity to the future match-making once the card is wrapped up.

2 Rematches for the ages

The co-main and main event are both championship fights with stakes that are meaningful for all parties involved. What’s more, both bouts are rematches of fights that were extremely competitive and ended with a narrow margin. While Adesanya vs Vettori ended in a split decision, Deiveson Figueiredo vs Brandon Moreno 1 ended in a draw.

3 UFC 263 makes history

Perhaps the most notable entry on this list is the fact that UFC 263 will be the first card to feature a no-title fight five-round battle. Leon Edwards vs Nate Diaz, which is one of the biggest attractions on the card is set for five, five-minute rounds.

Fans have been pining for such a set-up for a long time, especially for fights of such an epic magnitude.

4 There’s something for everyone

The aforementioned fight card boasts 14 fights that are divided up into the main card, preliminary card, and early preliminary card. Chiefly, the number of fights for the pay-per-view is a step up from both UFC 261 and UFC 262 that had 12, 13 fights respectively. This also means that the broadcast is slated to last longer than usual, however, fights fans aren’t complaining.

5 Number 1 contender fights galore

Another notable takeaway from UFC 263 is that there are two fights on the card that are likely number one contender’s match-ups. Chiefly, it’s rather rare to see such high-stakes match-ups fall on the same date.

Firstly, Lauren Murphy vs Joanne Calderwood on the preliminary card is a sure-shot contender’s match-up for flyweights. Moreover, if Nate Diaz managed to upset number 3 ranked welterweight Leon Edwards, he’s likely looking at a title shot next.