3 fights to look forward to and 2 fights that will likely disappoint at UFC Vegas 31

Fight that will likely disappoint at UFC Vegas 31: Marion Reneau vs. Miesha Tate

UFC Vegas 31: Marion Reneau vs. Miesha Tate [Photo credit: @mieshatate on Instagram]

The co-main event at UFC Vegas 31 will see the return of a previously retired former champion and the swan song of a veteran stalwart. Miesha Tate has come off a five-year hiatus in a last-ditch effort to reclaim UFC gold, while Marion Reneau will attempt to end her career on a high note.

Reneau has been a fixture in the bantamweight rankings since 2015. She quickly established herself as a legitimate contender when she caught Jessica Andrade in a triangle choke in her second UFC fight. While she hasn't had the most successful career, the 44-year-old veteran has always been a tough out for many of her opponents.

10 days. #TheComeback #UFCVegas31 pic.twitter.com/6zOvJNQtds

— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) July 7, 2021

‘Cupcake’ called time on her career back in 2016 after back-to-back losses to Amanda Nunes and Raquel Pennington. However, the way Tate’s career concluded always felt too abrupt as she was only eight months removed from her championship-winning comeback win.

Unfortunately, the octagon has historically been unkind to fighters who return from a lengthy period of inactivity and to those who stick around too long. At UFC Vegas 31, we’ll find out which situation is worse.

Fight to look forward to at UFC Vegas 31: Islam Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises

UFC Vegas 31: Islam Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises [Photo credit: @islam_makhachev on Instagram]

Surging star Islam Makhachev will lock horns with Brazilian prospect Thiago Moises in a critical matchup between the two ranked lightweights.

Long considered Khabib Nurmagomedov's heir apparent, Makhachev will get the opportunity to enjoy his own moment in his first main event appearance. The Russian fighter extended his winning streak to seven at UFC 259 after turning in his most dominant performance so far. Makhachev imposed his will on his opponent Drew Dober and ultimately made him tap out in round three.

But before Makhachev gets an opponent in the top 5, he must first get past Moises, who poses a threat with his fairly well-rounded game. Though Moises is primarily a grappler, he also has an underrated striking game that will allow him to hold his own should the fight remain on the feet.

Both men have proven themselves to be sharp in every aspect of MMA and can thrive no matter where the fight takes place. With that in mind, the main event of UFC Vegas 31 promises to be a competitive showdown between a couple of young and hungry contenders.