UFC 285 Fight Card



UFC 285 was an exciting event for MMA fans, featuring some of the biggest names in the sport. The fight card took place on June 12, 2021, at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, and was headlined by a lightweight championship bout between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler. Here is a breakdown of some of the most significant fights from the event.


Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler


The main event was a highly anticipated matchup between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler for the vacant UFC lightweight title. Oliveira, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, was on an eight-fight win streak and was coming off a dominant victory over Tony Ferguson. Chandler, a former Bellator champion, had made a successful UFC debut in January with a first-round knockout of Dan Hooker.


The fight started off with both fighters looking to establish their striking game, but it was Chandler who landed the first significant blow with a right hand that dropped Oliveira. Chandler followed up with some ground and pound, but Oliveira survived and eventually got back to his feet. Oliveira then landed a powerful left hook that stunned Chandler, and he followed up with a barrage of strikes that forced the referee to step in and stop the fight.


With this impressive victory, Oliveira became the new UFC lightweight champion, fulfilling a long-awaited dream after years of competing in the promotion.


Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno


The co-main event was a rematch between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno for the UFC flyweight title. The two fighters had previously fought to a draw in December 2020, in what many considered one of the best fights of the year.


In the rematch, Figueiredo looked to be in control early on, landing several hard punches and controlling the grappling exchanges. However, Moreno stayed composed and was able to take Figueiredo down in the third round, where he eventually locked in a rear-naked choke to secure the submission victory.


With this win, Moreno became the first Mexican-born fighter to win a UFC title and cemented his status as one of the top flyweights in the world.


Leon Edwards vs. Nate Diaz


The welterweight bout between Leon Edwards and Nate Diaz was one of the most highly anticipated fights of the night. Diaz, a fan favorite known for his striking and submission skills, was making his return to the Octagon after a nearly two-year layoff. Edwards, on the other hand, was looking to extend his nine-fight unbeaten streak and establish himself as a top contender in the welterweight division.


The fight was a back-and-forth battle, with Diaz landing some heavy shots and Edwards controlling the grappling exchanges. In the final round, Diaz landed a big left hand that stunned Edwards and had him stumbling around the Octagon. Diaz followed up with some ground and pound, but Edwards was able to survive and hold on for the unanimous decision victory.


Despite the loss, Diaz proved that he is still one of the most dangerous fighters in the division, while Edwards showed that he has what it takes to compete with the best in the world.


In conclusion, UFC 285 was an exciting event that featured some of the biggest names in MMA. From Oliveira's impressive knockout victory to Moreno's historic win, there were plenty of memorable moments that will be talked about for years to come. Fans are already eagerly anticipating the next UFC event, hoping to see more thrilling fights and incredible performances.