From top to bottom, UFC 280 is the best collection of matchups assembled all year; an intoxicating mix of championship bouts, title eliminators, and key tests across various divisions and tiers within those weight classes.
You want prospects? Muhammad Mokaev is arguably the best in the sport right now.
You want potential barnburners? Zubaira Tukhugov and Lucas Almeida will be happy to oblige.
All about Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev
You want fights carrying a great deal of divisional significance and championship ramifications? The final four non-title tilts of the evening all fit that bill.
And then there are still two outstanding, highly competitive, stylistically enthralling pairings where UFC gold hangs in the balance on tap to close out the night.
This is the UFC equivalent of a 13-course tasting menu with wine pairings and I cannot wait to enjoy this feast of fighting excellence on Saturday.
Here’s a closer look at each of this weekend’s contests.
Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev
The best two lightweights on the planet finally meet inside the Octagon, as Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev clash to determine who will be the next UFC lightweight champion.
Makhachev sits one behind Oliveira in the consecutive wins department heading into Saturday’s main event, touching down in Abu Dhabi having won 10 straight, the last four by stoppage. While some will question his level of competition after several opponents have been forced out with injuries leading to dates with late replacements, the standout from Dagestan has continued to handle his business and dispatch foes with alarming quickness on his way to challenging for the title this weekend.