As the UFC makes its annual return to Madison Square Garden, UFC 295 is set to captivate fight fans with a lineup that promises high-octane action and intriguing matchups. While the card has undergone some last-minute changes, the event remains a must-watch, featuring a mix of established stars and rising contenders.
Main Event: Light Heavyweight Showdown
The main event spotlights a clash for the vacant light heavyweight title between Jiří Procházka and Alex Pereira. Procházka, known for his explosive style and impressive 13-fight win streak, is returning to reclaim the 205-pound UFC title he vacated due to injury.
His opponent, Alex Pereira, a former two-division Glory kickboxing champion, has made a significant impact in the UFC in a short time. Pereira, poised on the brink of making combat sports history, aims to add another UFC title to his collection.
Co-Main Event: Heavyweight Title on the Line
In the co-main event, the interim heavyweight title is up for grabs as Sergei Pavlovich faces Tom Aspinall. Pavlovich, a powerhouse from Russia, has been on a tear with six consecutive first-round knockouts, marking him as a potential new force in the heavyweight division. Aspinall, known for his well-rounded skills and willingness to take fights on short notice, presents a formidable challenge.
Women’s Strawweight Battle
The undercard features a significant women’s strawweight bout between Mackenzie Dern and Jessica Andrade. Dern, a jiu-jitsu ace with aspirations for a title shot, faces a tough test in Andrade, a former strawweight champion. Despite recent setbacks, Andrade’s experience and striking power make her a dangerous opponent for Dern, who is looking to solidify her status as a title contender.
Additional Fights to Watch
The card also includes a variety of compelling matchups across different weight classes. Fans can expect to see a blend of striking and grappling expertise, with fighters at different stages of their careers vying for victory. From seasoned veterans to promising newcomers, UFC 295 offers a full spectrum of MMA talent.
UFC 295: A Unique Event at MSG
While this year’s UFC at MSG may not have the star-studded lineup of past events, it still holds significant importance. The event continues the tradition of high-profile UFC shows at this iconic venue, albeit with a different flavor this time around. The absence of Jon Jones and the reshuffling of the card have created new opportunities for fighters to shine on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
UFC 295 fight card
Here’s the full fight card for UFC 295:
| Weight Class | Fighter 1 | vs. | Fighter 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Heavyweight | Jiří Procházka | vs. | Alex Pereira |
| Heavyweight | Sergei Pavlovich | vs. | Tom Aspinall |
| Women’s Strawweight | Mackenzie Dern | vs. | Jéssica Andrade |
| Lightweight | Matt Frevola | vs. | Benoît Saint-Denis |
| Featherweight | Diego Lopes | vs. | Pat Sabatini |
| Flyweight | Steve Erceg | vs. | Alessandro Costa |
| Women’s Strawweight | Tabatha Ricci | vs. | Loopy Godinez |
| Lightweight | Mateusz Rębecki | vs. | Roosevelt Roberts |
| Lightweight | Nazim Sadykhov | vs. | Viacheslav Borshchev |
| Lightweight | Jared Gordon | vs. | Mark Madsen |
| Bantamweight | John Castañeda | vs. | Kang Kyung-ho |
| Flyweight | Joshua Van | vs. | Kevin Borjas |
| Featherweight | Dennis Buzukja | vs. | Jamall Emmers |
How to Watch
- Early Prelims: 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
- Prelims: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+ and ESPN News
- Main Card: 10 p.m. ET (Order ESPN+ PPV)
- Prochazka vs. Pereira Ring Walks (approx.): 12:15 a.m. ET (Order ESPN+ PPV)
Catch the action live on ESPN+ pay-per-view starting at 10 p.m. ET.
The prelims will commence on ESPN News and ESPN+ at 8 p.m., with early prelims warming up the crowd on ESPN+ at 6 p.m.