sport news UFC 276 fights before Israel Adesanya vs Jared Cannonier and Alexander ... trends now

sport news UFC 276 fights before Israel Adesanya vs Jared Cannonier and Alexander ... trends now
sport news UFC 276 fights before Israel Adesanya vs Jared Cannonier and Alexander ... trends now

sport news UFC 276 fights before Israel Adesanya vs Jared Cannonier and Alexander ... trends now

Israel Adesanya described UFC 276 as the most stacked card of the year so far and the depth on show in Las Vegas proves he is not far wrong. 

Outside of the middleweight star's card-topper against Jared Cannonier and Alexander Volkanovski's co-main event with Max Holloway, there are plenty of other fights worthy of a closer look. 

Some fan favourites, legends of the sport and promising up-and-comers will all take centre stage, so here's a look at the best of the rest... 


Sean Strickland vs Alex Pereira 

What an audition this is for both middleweights. Positioned neatly by the UFC underneath Adesanya and Cannonier, they will have a chance to steal the show - and then call for a title shot. 

Pereira has started his UFC career with two wins, including a spectacular jumping knee KO on debut and the narrative has been there from the start. 

He is angling for another meeting with Adesanya having beaten the Kiwi twice during their kickboxing days, including one heavy knockout. 

Alex Pereira is fighting on the UFC 276 main card

Alex Pereira could face Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight title if he wins on Saturday

That is the fuel on the fire and Pereira could pour petrol on it by finishing Strickland on Saturday. 

That will be easier said than done. The opinionated American is a hardy competitor and on a run of form with six successive wins. 

The technical advantage lies with his opponent and the Brazilian possesses more fight-ending qualities, too. 

But if Strickland can take advantage of Pereira's lack of wrestling experience, then he could squeeze a decision win out of it. 

This is a golden opportunity for both men to freshen up the middleweight division after many of the top contenders have already failed in their bid to usurp Adesanya.  

Sean Strickland (left) will be the toughest challenge of Pereira's UFC career so far

Sean Strickland (left) will be the toughest challenge of Pereira's UFC career so far

Robbie Lawler vs Bryan Barberena 

These two have 70 professional MMA fights between them. Lawler, the former UFC welterweight champion, is still going strong at 40. 

And Barberena, seven years his junior, also has plenty of miles on the clock.

'Ruthless' beat Nick Diaz in his last outing and will be looking to again prove he still has what it takes to cut it in the UFC.

The Fighter of the Year from 2014 and 2015 always delights the fans with his bludgeoning style and, given the punishment he has taken, it is remarkable for him to still to be going. 

Robbie Lawler (left) defeated Nick Diaz in a rematch 17 years in the making last September

Robbie Lawler (left) defeated Nick Diaz in a rematch 17 years in the making last September

No doubt the reception will be superb at T-Mobile Arena when Lawler walks out but Barberena is a popular figure too. 

He saw off Matt Brown in a decision win back in March and will be looking to add another legend to his CV. 

Miesha Tate and Lauren Murphy were due to be on the main card before the fight was pulled, meaning Lawler vs Barberena has been elevated. Nobody is complaining.

Lawler is a fan favourite and the former champion is still going strong at the age of 40

Lawler is a fan favourite and the former champion is still going strong at the age of 40 

Pedro Munhoz vs Sean O'Malley

The biggest step up in O'Malley's career so far. 

read more from dailymail.....

PREV sport news Tom Brady adds a private boat dock, a pickleball court and a VEGETABLE PATCH to ... trends now
NEXT Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano in action: Fight card, odds, date, opponents, start time, complete guide