The UFC returns to the five boroughs this weekend for the first time since UFC 205 last November. Unlike that historic three-title-fight night at Madison Square Garden, there is only one belt on the line at UFC 208 at the Barclays Center, and the rest of the card is a mish-mash of oddball matchups. That does not mean Saturday night’s event is without its own brand of intrigue.
Here’s a look at the best undercard fights at UFC 208:
Silva, 41, is a living legend who seemingly has been on the decline for years. He’s lost four of his past five fights and had to vacate his only win because he was popped for anabolic steroids.
The 33-year-old Brunson is in his prime. His recent five-fight win streak included four first-round knockouts, but then he ran into a Robert Whittaker head kick that put his rise on hold. He has a chance to get back on track for a title shot if he can beat the “Spider” in the co-main event.
The fight, in all likelihood, will be decided in the first round. Look for Silva to move backwards with his trademark head movement while Brunson charges forward looking to connect with his huge left hand. If Brunson lands it, he’ll win; if he doesn’t, Silva has the chance to show the world his career isn’t over.
The middleweight division is one of the deepest and most talented in the UFC, yet many of the top fighters are injured, which is why we have the No. 3-ranked Souza taking on a clearly overmatched Boetsch.
Souza, despite being 37 years old, is an absolute beast. He’s won 13 of his last 15 fights: His only two losses came against former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, way back in 2011, and current No. 1 contender Yoel Romero in 2015 via a contentious split decision. A methodical pressure fighter, Souza will try to close the distance, get Boetsch against the fence and pick his shots. If “Jacare” doesn’t end the fight on the feet, he won’t be worried. Souza can always take Boetsch down. He just so happens to be one of the best guard passers in UFC history.
Boetsch lives up to his “The Barbarian” nickname. Big and strong like a Mack truck, Boetsch simply stalks down his foes and unleashes his power for all it’s worth. At UFC 205, Boetsch’s approach worked to perfection as he knocked the flashier Rafael Natal out with a few thumping right hands.
Expect fireworks in this one. Both fighters like to move forward, and the fists will fly early and often.
Poirier and Miller, both lefties, are not the best fighters you’ll ever see. In all likelihood, neither ever will get near the lightweight title. But they’re kicking off the main UFC 208 card because they are well-rounded fighters and neither will hesitate once the bell rings.
Poirier hovered for most of his career around the top 10 of the featherweight division, but recently moved up lightweight. The move to 155 pounds was a good one. He’s won four of his last five fights, including three first-round knockouts. Sitting comfortably in the pocket, Poirier is an accomplished dirty boxer who likes to throw thick and fast combinations.
If Poirier is going to climb the lightweight ladder, he will have to beat guys like Miller. Solid on his feet, Miller is a good grappler and above-average wrestler with a long track record in UFC. He’s very quietly on a three-fight win streak that includes wins over Joe Lauzon and Thiago Alves.
Miller knows where his bread is buttered, and is going to do everything he can to take Poirier down. Poirier’s takedown defense probably will decide the fight. Poirier has to keep things vertical or he’s going to get smothered into the mat.
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