The fight for Nemkov’s old belt and the Russian’s debut in the UFC. The 6 best fights of the week
March 18, 2024, 08:30 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
There will also be a title card in boxing.
A new week has begun, so it’s time to discover what interesting things await us in the world of martial arts during the next seven days. There’s a lot to see this week. Boxing has taken a short break and will delight us with a single fight for the women’s title. But this weekend we are waiting for the next UFC tournament, where the Russian Daria Zheleznyakova will debut. Additionally, Bellator returns and holds its first event since moving under the PFL wing. We present to you the 6 best events in the world of martial arts in the next week from March 18 to 24.
March 22. Corey Anderson – Carl Moore
The Bellator 302 tournament will take place in Northern Ireland on March 22. This is the promotion’s first independent event after coming under the control of the PFL. The main event of the evening will feature Corey Anderson and Carl Moore. The promotion’s vacant light heavyweight title will be at stake. This belt previously belonged to Vadim Nemkov, but the Russian set out to conquer the heavy division. Anderson overcame his loss to Nemkov last June with a split decision over Phil Davis. Carl Moore is on a four-game winning streak and fighting in front of his own crowd, so he is extremely motivated to become champion.
We remember what the second fight between Anderson and Nemkov was like
The American hit the Russian fighter in the groin. Nemkov crushed him, kept the belt and received $1 million
March 22. Patricio Freire – Jeremy Kennedy
The featherweight title will be contested in the same tournament. Bellator legend Patricio Freire will compete after two losses. Fortunately for the Brazilian, his belt was not at stake in these fights, so he is still champion and will defend the title again. Pitbull’s opponent will be the most dangerous Canadian Jeremy Kennedy, who has won his last three fights. Bellator promised to give two titles in each event and they keep their word. And we’ll see if Freire is finished or if he can still make some noise at a high level.
Patrick Freire
Photo: Hans Gutknecht/Getty Images
March 22. Tofik Musayev – Alfie Davis
There will be another interesting fight at the Bellator 302 tournament. Azerbaijani knockout Tofik Musayev has been running between Bellator and Rizin in recent years, fighting in both promotions. Most of the time he was successful, but in Bellator the last fight was lost by Alexandre Chablius. After that, Tofik scored two knockouts on Rizin and is now back in Bellator. Musaev will try to continue his winning streak in a fight with Alfie Davis. It is curious that the last defeat of the British was also inflicted by Chablius. So there will be a showdown that will determine who is most worthy of imposing competition at the top.
23 of March. Sandy Ryan – Terry Harper
On March 23, a boxing evening will be held in Sheffield (England). The tournament will feature a fight between Sandy Ryan and Terri Harper for the WBO welterweight title. Ryan has only had eight professional fights, but he already holds the title. Also, in the previous fight he could have taken two more belts, but the fight with Jessica McCaskill ended in a draw. Now Sandy will defend the belt in a fight with her compatriot Terri Harper. It’s funny that she also comes into the fight after a title tie, so the girls will clearly be in the mood for a no-compromise fight.
Sandy Ryan
Photo: James Chance/Getty Images
The night of March 23 to 24. Amanda Ribas – Rose Namajunas
On the night of March 24 in Las Vegas (Nevada, USA), the Apex Arena will host the UFC Fight Night 240 tournament. The main event of the evening will feature a women’s fight, but this is the case when both girls know and love. fight in a standing position. Amanda Ribas is a vibrant Brazilian who puts on a great show in almost every fight. And Rose Namajunas needs no introduction. The former strawweight champion is still trying to conquer the flyweight division. The first attempt with Manon Fioro was not successful, now there is a new opportunity. Will the well-known Rose return?
What is happening with women’s MMA?
Women’s MMA is in crisis. Stars leave, supermodels find another niche
The night of March 23 to 24. Montserrat Rendón – Daria Zheleznyakova
In the same tournament the long-awaited debut of another Russian woman in the UFC should take place. Daria Zheleznyakova came to the world’s top promotion last year and she was supposed to debut in the fall. However, her fight with Taynara Lisboa was canceled due to Daria’s visa issues. Now Zheleznyakova will fight the undefeated Mexican Montserrat Rendón. A good test for the Russian, which will allow her to evaluate Daria at the UFC level. Prior to this, Zheleznyakova fought in the French promotion Ares. It’s time to take a new step.
