UFC 289 poster
UFC 289: Nunes vs. Aldana Odds, Prediction and Fight Preview
Vancouver will host the UFC for the first time in nearly four years when the promotion returns to Canada with UFC 289. UFC 289 follows in the footsteps of UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Gaethje, which left fans yearning for more thrilling bouts and unforgettable moments. With the rich legacy of Canadian MMA fans and the incredible atmosphere that Vancouver provides, this event is destined to be an unforgettable spectacle.
UFC 289 is a highly anticipated event that will take place on June 10, 2023, at the iconic Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It promises to feature exhilarating matchups and unforgettable moments. UFC 289 is the promotion’s 32nd trip to Canada and sixth to Vancouver, following the memorable UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Gaethje in September 2019.
Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana
In the main event of UFC 289, bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes defends her title against the dangerous challenger Irene Aldana. Nunes, who reclaimed the title last summer, seeks to defend it against Aldana in a match that promises to be combustible.
The two-fight series between Nunes and Julianna Pena serves as a reminder that even the best fighters can have off nights, and that one loss should not overshadow their achievements. After suffering her first defeat in over seven years, Nunes made a successful comeback by dominating Pena from start to finish, reaffirming her position as the dominant champion. Notably, Nunes has defeated every previous bantamweight champion, demonstrating her unparalleled skill and aptitude in the weight class.
Aldana seized the opportunity to substitute Pena in a title eliminator match against Raquel Pennington when Pena sustained an injury. The Mexican contender has earned consecutive stoppage victories and has won four of her last five bouts. Aldana’s technique poses a formidable obstacle for Nunes, enhancing the intrigue and anticipation surrounding this bout. In addition, with Yair Rodriguez, Alexa Grasso, and Brandon Moreno already holding UFC gold in 2023, Aldana has the opportunity to become the fourth Mexican champion.
The main event between Nunes and Aldana promises to be an explosive and entertaining conclusion to the evening at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena.
Odds: Amanda Nunes (-390) vs. Irene Aldana (+280)
Our pick: Amanda Nunes looked sharp in her title defense against Pena. However, we have seen a surge in Mexican champions in recent times and Aldana would be aiming to ride on the momentum wave by pulling off an upset. While it’s far fetched prediction, we think Aldana wins the fight by TKO.
CHARLES OLIVEIRA VS BENEIL DARIUSH: The co-main event originally scheduled for UFC 288 now takes place at UFC 289, featuring a lightweight clash between Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush. Oliveira, coming off an impressive run that led to a lightweight title victory and successful defense, aims to bounce back after a defeat to Islam Makhachev. Meanwhile, Dariush, who has faced numerous setbacks and missed opportunities, looks to continue his winning streak and secure a potential shot at the lightweight title.
MIKE MALOTT VS ADAM FUGITT: The main card also includes a welterweight showdown between Mike Malott and Adam Fugitt. Malott has showcased his finishing ability with two first-round stoppage victories in his previous UFC appearances. Now settled in the Greater Hamilton Area, he aims to continue his streak and make a breakthrough in the division. Fugitt, who made his promotional debut on short notice, demonstrated his resilience and skill in his sophomore effort. Expect fireworks as these two knockout artists collide.
DAN IGE VS NATE LANDWEHR: Dan Ige and Nate Landwehr, both featherweights striving for recognition in the ultra-competitive division, square off in what promises to be an action-packed battle. Ige, hailing from Hawaii, recently snapped a three-fight losing streak and aims to solidify his position as a Top 15 contender. Landwehr, known for his relentless pace and toughness, carries a three-fight winning streak into this matchup. This clash between two determined fighters is likely to result in an exciting Fight of the Night contender.
MARC-ANDRE BARRIAULT VS ERYK ANDERS: Opening the main card is a middleweight clash between Marc-Andre Barriault and Eryk Anders. Barriault, despite struggling to find consistent success in the UFC, gained momentum with a second-round stoppage win in his last outing. Fighting in his home country of Canada, he aims to build on that victory. Anders, a former collegiate linebacker, rebounded from consecutive losses with a second-round stoppage win, showing his determination to climb the middleweight ranks. This matchup sets the stage for an intense battle to kick off the pay-per-view portion of the event.
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