UFC 287 returned to Miami with an epic fight card featuring some of the biggest names in MMA. However, the night was also marred by the cancellation of the heavyweight fight between Karl Williams and Chase Sherman. Despite this setback, fans all over the world tuned in to witness some of the most exciting fights in recent memory. Here are some of the highlights:
Adesanya Reclaims His Title
Israel Adesanya reclaimed his title as the best middleweight in UFC by knocking out Alex Pereira in the main event. With a vicious right hand, Adesanya knocked out Pereira and asserted his dominance over his opponent. This performance marked a significant comeback for Adesanya after losing to Jan Blachowicz in a previous fight.
Burns Asserts Himself as Welterweight Contender
Gilbert Burns won a decision over Jorge Masvidal, asserting himself as a contender in the welterweight division. Burns is now looking to fight for the championship against either Leon Edwards or Colby Covington next. He showcased exceptional skills and technique against Masvidal, much to the delight of fans across Miami and beyond.
Other Fights on The UFC 287 Fight Card
Besides these marquee events, there were many other exciting fights and fighters on the UFC 287 fight card. Kevin Holland had a TKO victory over Santiago Ponzinibbio, while Loopy Godinez, Ignacio Bahamondes, and Steve Garcia also won their respective fights. The UFC 287 countdown was also mentioned throughout the week leading up to the big event.
Sherman Withdraws from Heavyweight Fight Against Williams
Unfortunately, the heavyweight fight between Karl Williams and Chase Sherman was taken off the card due to medical issues on Sherman’s side. Williams had stepped up on short notice to fill in for an absent Chris Barnett, but unfortunately, it was Sherman who couldn’t show up on fight night after coming down with a medical issue following Friday’s weigh-in. This cancellation meant that the “Prelims” had to be cut down to seven contests.
Preview of Williams vs. Sherman Fight
The Williams vs. Sherman fight was one of the most anticipated events on the UFC 287 fight card. Leading up to the event, Williams was priced at 480 while Sherman was priced at +350. Williams brought an undefeated record of 81-0 into the octagon, while Sherman’s record stood at 16-11-0. In terms of physical attributes, Williams weighed 235 lbs and was 6’3″ with a wingspan of 79″, while Sherman weighed 250 lbs, stood at 6’4″ and had a reach of 78″.
Williams lands 2.07 significant strikes per minute and connects on 61% of the significant strikes he attempts, while Sherman lands 6.30 significant strikes per minute and connects on 46% of the significant strikes he attempts. Williams takes only 0.90 significant strikes per minute, while Sherman takes a much higher rate at 6.85 significant strikes per minute. In terms of wrestling, Williams is more skilled as he takes his opponents to the mat 5.50 times per 15 minutes and is excellent at stuffing takedown tries against him with an impressive 85% record, while Sherman takes his opponents down around half the time they try and stuffs around two-thirds of all takedowns attempted by his opposition.
Regardless of the cancellation, UFC fans worldwide enjoyed an unforgettable night of explosive fights and incredible performances by some of the biggest stars in MMA. UFC’s return to Miami after two decades was nothing short of epic and left fans eagerly anticipating what comes next in the world of MMA.
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