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#2. Who will win the UFC women’s strawweight championship rematch?
The co-main event of UFC 274 will see Carla Esparza and strawweight champion Rose Namajunas compete in a long-awaited rematch. It is long overdue as both are significant to the division’s history.
Their first encounter took place on the TUF season 20 finale, during which Esparza submitted Namajunas in the third round. She was the more experienced fighter and it showed that night. It was a historic TUF season as the promotion introduced a new women’s 115lb division and crowned the inaugural champion after the final.
‘Cookie Monster’s reign didn’t last very long as she lost the title to Joanna Jedrzejczyk in her first title defense. Meanwhile, ‘Thug Rose’ continued ascending the strawweight rankings and became one of the top pound-for-pound women’s fighters in MMA. She will look to avenge her loss to Esparza, while the challenger will look to become a two-time champion.
#1. Will Charles Oliveira’s UFC lightweight title reign continue?
UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje is a very intriguing main event. The reigning champion has evolved since his return to 155lbs in 2017. Aside from a TKO loss to Paul Felder, he has been spectacular at lightweight.
Oliveira is currently riding a 10-fight winning streak that saw him set the record for most finishes in the promotion’s history. He has finished some of the top lightweights in the world, including Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier.
There is a lot at stake for ‘Do Bronx’ as he looks to earn his second title defense against Gaethje. If he adds ‘The Highlight’ to his resume of title defenses, it could further catapult him into superstardom.
Gaethje will look to take advantage of the openings in Oliveira’s striking. The champion was dropped in both his recent bouts with Chandler and Poirier. Eventually, he might not be able to quickly regroup, which could make him vulnerable against a striker of Gaethje’s caliber.
