UFC 244 emanates from the Mecca tonight, with an electric main event for the "Baddest Motherfucker in the Game" Title. Stockton's favorite son Nate Diaz takes on "Street Jesus" Jorge Masvidal in what has the potential to be a Fight of the Year candidate. The whole fight just feels fun. From Nate's callout after UFC 241, to the creation of an actual BMF Title Belt, the UFC is catering to what the fans want to see.
This event marks the 11th UFC event in New York state following a two-decade ban and will be the fourth annual November trip to the World's Most Famous Arena. UFC 205 in 2016 and UFC 217 in 2017 rank in the top 5 live sporting events I was in the building for, ughkay.
Going down memory lane, Dana White brought out the big guns for MMA's debut at MSG. Khabib Nurmagemedov and Frankie Edgar had to fight on the prelims of the event that featured EIGHT current, former, or future champions (Edgar, Khabib, Tate, Weidman, Jedrzejczyk, Woodley, Alvarez, McGregor). The night culminated with the crowning of the first Champ - Champ when McGregor knocked Eddie Alvarez in the second round.
UFC 217 didn't have the pomp and circumstance of 205, but it can be argued the Triple Main Event can't be topped. It all started with Rose Namajunas' shocking knockout of Joanna, and was followed by the grudge match that ended when TJ Dillashaw knocked out Cody Garbrandt (a result that has seemed to derail Cody's career). Then, in the return of the undisputed GOAT, GSP submitted Michael Bisping.
UFC 230 didn't have as much heat as the two event that proceeded it, with a Heavyweight main event of DC and the Black Beast, but it did feature the third UFC fight of current Middleweight Champ Israel Adesanya.
I'll be watching the action tonight from my couch tonight, but I was able to attend the UFC 245 Press Conference and the UFC 244 Weigh-Ins from the Theater at Madison Square Garden. The BMF fight does feel like a much bigger fight than I ever anticipated, as Diaz and Masvidal have done a great job of building their brand by just being themselves. "I'm not surprised Motherfucker"
Week 9 Picks
Last Week: 1-5Season: 19-23
After last week, I'm officially off the Jets and Bears bandwagon. They've both burned me way too many times this season.
Texans -2.5 v Jaguars (London)
Colts ML @ Steelers
Seahawks -6 v Bucs
Raiders -2.5 v Lions
Packers -3.5 @ Chargers
Patriots - 3.5 @ Ravens
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