Everything we know about UFC 252
July 28th, 2020
The final chapter of one of the UFC's best rivalries is about to unfold at UFC 252, when Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier clash for the heavyweight title.
With several bouts carrying major implications, from crossroad clashes to high stakes rematches, UFC 252 has all the ingredients to be the MMA card of the year.
Here is everything to know ahead of UFC 252.
Where and when is it happening?
Fight Island is in the rear-view mirror for this event, scheduled to take place at the UFC Apex Facility in Las Vegas on Aug. 15. The Apex Facility has held the majority of the UFC events since the COVID-19 outbreak and will host cards for the immediate future.
Who is on the main card?
UFC 252 will be headlined by the anticipated trilogy bout between Miocic and Cormier. These two have split a pair of knockout wins in mesmerizing bouts. Cormier stopped Miocic in the first round back at UFC 226, and Miocic returned the favor a year later at UFC 241.
The supporting card features Junior Dos Santos and Jairzinho Rozenstruik in a heavyweight clash that is sure to end inside the distance, a rematch between Ion Cuțelaba and Magomed Ankalaev, a crossroads clash between Pedro Munhoz and Frankie Edgar, and the emerging Sean O’Malley.
What is at stake?
Aside from the heavyweight title on the line, Cormier announced his intention to retire following the bout with Miocic. Should Cormier stick to his guns and win the belt, the heavyweight title will be vacated. The winner of the Dos Santos/Rozenstruik match could be in line for Miocic if he remains champion.
The declining Edgar needs a win against Munhoz if he intends on staying relevant. Cuțelaba and Ankalaev also need a definitive win to stay alive in the deep light heavyweight division.
Which fight will steal the show?
There is little doubt that the explosive conclusion of the Miocic/Cormier trilogy will end up being the highlight of the show.
LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY. 🏆 #UFC252 pic.twitter.com/gXYx72I2Eb
— UFC (@ufc) July 20, 2020
Both men know they can hurt the other and are intent to score a decisive win. Miocic’s adjustments in the second fight suggest he’ll be too much for Cormier again, but Cormier has everything he needs to end his legendary career as champion.
Who will be the fighter to watch?
O’Malley is easily the fighter to watch on this card stacked with big punchers and future Hall of Famers. He is on the rise, working his way up the bantamweight rankings, and it won’t be long until he is in the main event, in front of a raucous crowd.
Though he may not be in a competitive match against Marlon Vera, O’Malley is expected to deliver the highlight of the night and keep the UFC world buzzing.
How can you watch UFC 252?
UFC continues to enjoy a prominent platform for ESPN+ subscribers, but like all main UFC cards, this event is coming via pay-per-view.
The combat begins with the preliminary bouts on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET. After the preliminary bouts conclude, the pay-per-view will begin at 10 p.m. ET.