5 blockbuster fights to keep an eye on at UFC 273

#4. UFC heavyweight bout: Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Marcin Tybura

Dangerous striker Jairzinho Rozenstruik is set to be in action next weekend

UFC 273 features a heavyweight bout between Aleksei Oleinik and Jared Vanderaa. However, it’s arguable that this is the best clash of big men at next weekend’s event.

That contest is set to see Jairzinho Rozenstruik take on Marcin Tybura. While both men are coming off the back of defeats, they remain ranked in the top 10 and are amongst the most dangerous heavyweights on the planet.

Interestingly, this is an old-school clash of a striker against a grappler. Given the limitations that both men have shown in the other man’s area of expertise, there’s a clear path to victory for either one.

Rozenstruik is one of the most devastating strikers in the division, with all of his wins in the octagon coming via KO or TKO, including victories over Alistair Overeem and Junior dos Santos.

However, ‘Bigi Boy’ was outclassed on the ground by Curtis Blaydes in his last fight, which should give Tybura some hope.

Poland’s ‘Tybur’ is a remarkably dangerous ground fighter with a brutal ground-and-pound game, particularly if he can find a dominant position on his opponent, like full mount. However, on the feet, he’s markedly slower and more plodding, and has been knocked out on three occasions in the past.

Basically, then, it seems highly unlikely that this fight will go the distance. If the winner looks impressive, there’s every chance they’ll be pushed into a big fight next time around, meaning this one is a must-see affair.

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#3. UFC welterweight bout: Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev

Is Gilbert Burns the man to stop the rise of Khamzat Chimaev?

While UFC 273’s two title bouts are obviously the strongest on offer at the event, it’s arguable that more fans are talking about the fight that’s third on the billing – the welterweight clash between Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev.

The reason for that is quite obvious. Chimaev is probably the most highly-touted prospect to hit the octagon in years. Thus far, he’s lived up to all of the hype put on his name. He’s gone 4-0 since arriving in the promotion in 2020, has destroyed all of his opponents and hasn’t even absorbed a clean strike.

However, Burns is on a completely different level to his previous opponents. ‘Durinho’ is currently ranked No.2 in the welterweight rankings and his victories over Stephen Thompson, Tyron Woodley and Demian Maia have marked him out as one of the best 170lbers in the world right now.

Can the Brazilian deal with the storm that ‘Borz’ is likely to bring next weekend, though? It’s highly debatable. He’s more proven at this level, but on paper at least, Chimaev may well be considered a nightmare match for him.

Either way, we should find out exactly how good the Chechnyan fighter is next weekend. Given the publicity around this bout, it’s a clash that no self-respecting UFC fan can afford to miss.