5 barnburners to look forward to at UFC 276

#4. Israel Adesanya vs. Jared Cannonier – UFC 276 main event

Speaking of striker vs. striker matchups, the main event of UFC 276 pits the best striking specialist in the sport, Israel Adesanya, against hard-hitting middleweight contender Jared Cannonier.

While Adesanya is undoubtedly the better striker, Cannonier's toughness, aggression, and raw strength could prove to be hugely influential in this bout.

Adesanya vs. Cannonier Artist Series Poster [Image via @ufc on Twitter]

Jared Cannonier famously competed at both heavyweight and light heavyweight before eventually finding a home at 185 pounds. 'Tha Killa Gorilla' has carried his devastating power all the way from heavyweight to middleweight, evident in his chilling knockout victories in his current division.

However, Adesanya's overall experience in combat sports, comprising over 100 fights across kickboxing, boxing and MMA, will likely be a huge hurdle to overcome for the challenger.

'The Last Stylebender' has really been tested on just one occasion at middleweight, against Kelvin Gastelum, a bout which went on to win 2019's 'Fight of the Year' award.

If Cannonier is to emerge victorious, he will have to make this fight dirty, just as Gastelum did. If he sits just outside range, Adesanya will pick him apart as he did against Paulo Costa. The challenger has no option but to keep pressuring the champion and hope that he makes a mistake for him to capitalize on.

Essentially, this will likely go one of two ways, another striking clinic by Adesanya, or a war of attrition that could see either fighter emerge victorious.

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#3. Sean O'Malley vs. Pedro Munhoz

Sean O'Malley is set to take on the toughest fight of his career thus far when he squares off against perennial bantamweight contender Pedro Munhoz this weekend.

'Sugar' has slow-played his career so far, and having recently signed a new contract, the popular bantamweight will be eyeing a shot at gold sooner rather than later.

A win against a durable and well-rounded veteran like Munhoz is the perfect litmus to determine whether O'Malley is a legitimate championship contender or not.

Munhoz vs. O'Malley fan-made poster [Image via @sugaseanmma on Instagram]

Pedro Munhoz has fought former champions like Cody Garbrandt, Frankie Edgar, Jose Aldo and Dominick Cruz in recent years. He even came very close to beating the current bantamweight titleholder, Aljamain Sterling. Over the course of his 26-fight professional career, 'The Young Punisher' has never been finished.

Meanwhile, Sean O'Malley is among the most dangerous knockout artists in the division. Out of 15 career wins so far, 11 have come via KO/TKO. 'Sugar' is currently riding a three-fight win streak, with all three bouts ending with a knockout. He will be looking to claim Munhoz's No.9 spot in the rankings when the duo lock horns at UFC 276.

Munhoz can boost his stock if he can derail the hype-train coming his way. On the flipside, a statement-making win for O'Malley will see his stardom reach new heights, especially if he can produce another viral knockout.