UFC 282 is set to explode with a stacked card for the final PPV of the year at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEDT).
The main event of the evening will see former champion Jan Blachowicz face off against 30-year-old Dagestani contender Magomed Ankalaev for the vacant light heavyweight championship.
Follow all the action of every fight in our live blog below.
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The fight card for UFC 282 has undergone modifications, however there has been no shortage of eager anticipation along the iconic Las Vegas strip.
As one meanders down the famous thoroughfare, the buzz is palpable.
T-shirts emblazoned with UFC signage flood the streets, as billboards and giant LED screens advertising tomorrow afternoon’s event at T-Mobile Arena dominate the skyline.
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The main event – Jan Blachowicz v Magomed Ankalaev
UFC Light heavyweight championship
With Blachowicz and Ankalaev thrust into the main event for the undisputed light heavyweight championship, the centrepiece of tomorrow’s event is a clash of two devastating finishers.
Ankalaev is the latest UFC title contender from the Russian republic of Dagestan, following in the footsteps of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev.
The 30-year-old currently holds the longest active win streak in the 205-pound division with nine successive victories.
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker spoke to us at Fox Sports Australia, and explained why he reveres Ankalaev’s arsenal.
“He’s a scary dude. His skillset is so well-rounded,” he said.
“[The UFC’s Dagestani fighters] have been training their whole lives and a lot of these guys come from a little world so they’re hungry for it.”
For Jan Blachowicz, tomorrow marks an opportunity at reclaiming the light-heavyweight crown he lost over a year ago.
At the official weigh-ins today, the former champion was first to the scale.
“This time, I will not forget the Legendary Polish Power in [my] hotel room,” he told us at Fox Sports Australia.
“I just have to [impose] my style on [Ankalaev]. He needs to play by my rules, not me by his rules.
“After [this weekend], he’s gonna have 17-2, not 17-1, on his record.”
Blachowicz has amassed an impressive 29-9 record himself, including 18 wins by finish.
The co-main event – Paddy Pimblett v Jared Gordon
Lightweight bout
Fan-favourite Paddy Pimblett faces the biggest test of his career to-date as he lines up against veteran Jared Gordon.
Pimblett’s star has continued to shine brighter than any other contender within the promotion, and the brash Scouser told Fox Sports Australia that he’s aware of his prominence.
“I’ve always said it lad,” he said.
“I’m gonna be the biggest star in this sport and I’m just proving it lad – every step of the way.
“I’m in no rush. I don’t mind. I just fight whoever gets put in front of me.
“I’m not giving anyone else any publicity. I don’t need to. People talk about me, I don’t talk about anyone else.”
Pimblett’s infectious personality, paired with that unmistakable Liverpool intonation, has attracted fight fans in droves.
It’s also his reluctance to stay in shape in between fights, while never falling short on the scale.
“Who’s missing weight?” he uttered to the media off-mic today as he weighed in at a perfect 156 pounds.
Main card highlight: Darren Till v Dricus du Plessis
Middleweight bout
Tomorrow afternoon also marks the return of another personality from Merseyside.
The peak of Darren Till’s powers was on display during his meteoric ascent of the promotion’s ranks at 170 pounds.
He had amassed a record of 18 professional fights unbeaten, and his recognition of UFC gold seemed a formality.
Since then though, Till has suffered four defeats in his past five bouts. Multiple injuries have also prolonged and hindered his long-awaited return to form.
“It’s tough man,” he told Fox Sports Australia.
“When you’re suffering with these injuries and there’s no way around it, it’s not hard to demotivate you but I’ve always got this thing in my mind like, ‘No matter what, do not stop until you achieve what you set out to.’”
Tomorrow, he will be locked in the octagon against South African knockout specialist, Dricus du Plessis.
“He’s very strong tough and durable,” Till explained of his opponent.
“I think he’s got power […] he can put anyone’s lights out at any minute.
“As always, [I’ll] respect the fighter I’m fighting, but I’m going in there to win.”
Order UFC 282 at mainevent.com.au
Prelims begin at 12 midday on Foxtel’s ESPN channel.
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