5 reasons why UFC 267 could be the best event of 2021

#2. A UFC interim title fight between two elite bantamweight strikers

UFC 267 was initially set to have current bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling defend his title in a rematch against Petr Yan. However, 'Funk Master' since announced that he will not be medically cleared to compete later this month.

As a result, Cory Sandhagen will fill in and compete against 'No Mercy' in a UFC interim title fight. Whilst Sandhagen and Yan do not have the same backstory that Sterling and Yan have, the coming together of their contrasting styles may provide an even more compelling fight.

Sandhagen is a former kickboxer and has pulled off some of the most spectacular KO finishes in recent UFC history. His flying knee against Frankie Edgar and spinning heel kick against Marlon Moraes both come to mind.

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen v Edgar

Yan, on the other hand, is a lethal Muay Thai practitioner who exemplifies the word brutal when he competes. Fans only have to think back to the Russian's savagely violent display against Urijah Faber as an example of how Yan operates.

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#1. Two veterans clash for the UFC light heavyweight title

Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira are both prime examples of what perseverance and an iron will can produce. Between 2014 and 2017, Blachowicz had only one win in five fights. He is now the UFC light heavyweight champion and has already defended his belt against another UFC champ.

UFC 259 Press Conference

Similar can be said of Teixeira. He went 2-3 between 2016 and 2018, which led to many calling for him to retire. Instead, the Brazilian put together a five-fight winning streak that now has him competing for the title at the age of 41.

UFC Fight Night Jacare v Hermansson

There is also the added caveat that both men are exciting action fighters with tons of veteran savvy. Expect nothing but fireworks when these two light heavyweights enter the octagon in the main event.