5 reasons why UFC 272 could turn out to be a classic event

#2. UFC 272 has a headline-worthy bout in the co-main event

Rafael Dos Anjos' bout with Rafael Fiziev is headline-worthy in its own right

While UFC 272 doesn’t feature any title bouts, its headliner looks fantastic, and so does its co-main event. In fact, the battle between Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev is so high-quality that it was actually pegged to headline a show in its own right a couple of weeks ago.

Visa problems for Fiziev put to rest that idea, but the fact that the promotion was able to move the fight to this weekend has only made UFC 272 a deeper event.

Essentially, this fight is a classic example of one of the UFC’s favorite booking techniques – putting a high end prospect against a battle-hardened veteran. If ‘Ataman’ can get past the former lightweight champ, then he’ll undoubtedly end up a title contender in his own right.

If ‘RDA’ can win, though, then he’ll have proven that despite being 37 years old, he’s still got plenty to offer. Of course, that’ll only mean he’ll be faced with another dangerous prospect in his next bout, but such is the life of an experienced veteran.

More importantly, though, given Fiziev’s flashy striking style and the pressure-based game of dos Anjos, it’s likely that this one could provide this weekend’s show with some serious fireworks. Particularly if ‘Ataman’ can land one of his crazy spinning blows.

Will this clash outshine the main event? Right now, of course it won’t, but if the two lightweights deliver the goods on Saturday, then stranger things have happened.

---

#1. Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal’s rivalry might produce a thriller in the headliner

Can Colby Covington's striking ability surprise Jorge Masvidal this weekend?

It’s probably safe to say that not all bitter rivalries produce classic fights inside the octagon. Rashad Evans and ‘Rampage’ Jackson, for instance, despised one another – but put on a largely dull fight dominated by Evans.

With that considered, there’s always the chance that Colby Covington’s battle with Jorge Masvidal turns into a damp squib. Particularly if ‘Chaos’ decides to focus purely on his wrestling.

However, those chances seem slim. The amount of trash talked by these two former friends building into this weekend’s clash has been immense. If Covington were to deploy a wrestling-heavy gameplan, some fans would almost treat him as a loser even if he were to win.

It’s far more likely that the two men will instead go toe-to-toe. ‘Chaos’ will be hopinh that his volume, pressure and the threat of his takedowns will be enough to get him past the slick boxing and knockout power of ‘Gamebred’.

More importantly, though, the build to this fight is only going to get more and more bitter as UFC 272 draws closer. By the time Masvidal and Covington stare one another down at the weigh-ins on Friday, it’ll be hard not to be excited.

If this battle lives up to the hype behind it even a little, these two welterweights could produce a classic war – making UFC 272 a hugely memorable event in the process.