UFC News: Atlantic City Fight Night Gets Surprising New Main Event
The UFC might not have a main event set for UFC 300 yet, but they have something lined up for their return to Atlantic City.
After nearly six years away, the promotion lands back at the Boardwalk Hall for a UFC Fight Night event in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Welterweights Sean Brady and Vicente Luque were supposed to be the men on the marquee, but an injury forced Brady out of the main event matchup.
Left without a headliner for several weeks, the UFC has finally found a fight that fits the bill. "The Silent Assassin" Luque will now face Joaquin Buckley on the main card, while Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot will serve as the new main event.
Blanchfield vs. Fiorot was already scheduled for the Mar. 30 date, so it doesn't count as short notice. Six weeks out from the elevated fight, they'll now have to prepare to go five rounds instead of the standard three.
The main event spotlight is something new for both women. Blanchfield stands at a perfect 6-0 record inside the Octagon. Debuting in 2021, 'Cold Blooded' has fought her way through the ranks and has defeated the likes of Taila Santos, Jessica Andrade and Molly McCann.
At just 24 years old, the #2 ranked Blanchfield could be just one way from a title shot against Alexa Grasso. But of course, the same can be said for her next opponent, who happens to have a lot in common.
France's Fiorot is also undefeated in the UFC at 6-0 and made her debut in 2021, just like Blanchfield. The top contender's impressive streak consists of Jennifer Maia, Katlyn Chookagian and most recently former UFC Champion Rose Namajunas.
A win here almost guarantees a shot at the UFC women's flyweight champion Alexa Grasso, however, a trilogy bout with Valentina Shevchenko could be next on the agenda.
It's #2 vs. #3 in the UFC's first headliner in Atlantic City since Kevin Lee vs. Edson Barboza back in Apr. 2018.
Now all we need is the main event for UFC 300, which happens weeks later.
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