FSM Essential Preview: UFC on ESPN - Makhachev vs Moisés

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FSM Essential Preview: UFC on ESPN – Makhachev vs Moisés

UFC on ESPN will feature a possible look at another Russian invasion in the Lightweight division.

Returning to the APEX center, the UFC will air on ESPN this Saturday with the main event throw down between two fantastic young warriors looking to take that next step up the ladder in the talent-rich lightweight division.

Islam Makhachev ( 19-1 8 SUBs) is a Russian fighter fighting out of American Kickboxing Academy that has produced champions such as Luke Rockhold, Cain Valaquez, Daniel Cormier, and Khabib Nurmagomedov. With Khabib retiring and vacating the title now held by Charles Oliveira, Makhachev is looking to be the next fighter from the fame AKA gym and Russian fighter to wear UFC gold. Currently on a 7 fight win streak, many feel that Makhachev has the toolset to put it all together to become the next big thing. Powerful, aggressive, of course, well-rounded in wrestling, the pressure he puts on his opponents is oftentimes overwhelming, and they can’t keep up. More often than not, this allows for dominating performances that have drawn the obvious comparisons to his teammate and former champion Khabib. But like his teammate, Makhachev has to continue to produce and live up to the hype and show he’s ready for bigger and better things.

Standing across from Makhachev will be Thiago Moisés ( 15-4 6 SUBs). The Brazilian fighter from another famous team, American Top Team, will be looking to duplicate his fellow countrymen Oliveira and show that he is moving up the ladder at 155lbs and is ready to become a household name. Well skilled in the art of grappling, Moisés is always a threat when the fight hits the mat hence his 6 submission victories.

Riding a winning streak of his own, Moisés has shown in his last three wins that he is fully prepared to the distance if need be or if you give an opening, he is quick to attack and lock in a submission attempt. His standup game is ever-evolving also as he looks to round out his game in hopes of a victory that will lead to some of the division’s top talent.

These two young stars are on their way up in the sport. The winner of this battle is sure to get ranked in the top 15 or even top 10 when they open up in their next outing. Can Makhachev live up to the hype and be the next big thing? Will Moisés show he isn’t to be overlooked and is a new hunter in the jungle? Questions will have answers Saturday night on ESPN.

A former champion returns to the octagon.

After almost 5 years away from fighting, the former women’s Bantamweight champion Miesha Tate ( 18-7 7 SUBs) makes her return after retiring in 2016 at UFC 205. Tate, who during her time was one of the most consistent performers in the division, her feud with Ronda Rousey help carry women’s MMA mainstream, her consistent performances of always ready to throw down made her a fan favorite in and outside the cage. But after two losses in a row, Tate felt she needed to step away from the sport, focus on other things in life and also look to start a family. She is now the mother of two kids, but even motherhood couldn’t keep the urge of competing at the highest level from making her get back in the gym and give it one more go around.

Her first opponent back will be the veteran Marion Reneau ( 9-7 5 KOs). Despite dropping her last four outings, Reneau is widely respected for always being prepared for a battle when she steps in the cage. So despite being gone, Tate isn’t getting an easy welcome back fight, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Can Tate reclaim her old ways and show off possibly her growth and new skills?

Will Reneau spoil the return and show that maybe retirement was best for the former champion? Saturday night, we will find out.