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UFC 2021 schedule: Every major fight happening before the end of the year

UFC 2021 schedule: Every major fight happening before the end of the year

So far, 2021 has felt like one of the most significant years for the Ultimate Fighting Championship since its inception in 1993.

A host of intriguing match-ups and enthralling bouts have seen mixed martial arts’ flagship promotion further its reach and strengthen its credibility in the eyes of many observers – as well as the credibility of the sport.

And while no fighter has yet matched the crossover status of Conor McGregor, athletes like Israel Adesanya, Jorge Masvidal and Khamzat Chimaev have continued to attract enough interest from fans of other sports to suggest that the UFC will soon have more genuine stars on its hands.

McGregor himself has been more active than in recent years, too, fighting more than once in a calendar year for the first time since 2016. The Irishman’s knockout loss to Dustin Poirier in January and defeat by the American in July – when McGregor suffered a broken leg that led to a doctor stoppage – have damaged the in-ring reputation of ‘Notorious’ but elevated Poirier greatly.

The ‘Diamond’ might finally earn the right to call himself an undisputed UFC champion this weekend, with a lightweight title fight against Charles Oliveira official for UFC 269 – the final PPV of the year.

Below is the UFC’s remaining schedule for 2021. The Independent’s key fights to look out for have been highlighted in bold.

Saturday 11 December – UFC 269 – T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

Dustin Poirier challenges for the undisputed lightweight title for a second time (Getty)
Dustin Poirier challenges for the undisputed lightweight title for a second time (Getty)

Charles Oliveira (C) vs Dustin Poirier (lightweight title)

Amanda Nunes (C) vs Julianna Pena (women’s bantamweight title)

Geoff Neal vs Santiago Ponzinibbio (welterweight)

Kai Kara-France def. Cody Garbrandt via first-round knockout (strikes, 3:21)

Sean O’Malley def. Raulian Paiva via first-round TKO (strikes, 4:42)

Prelims

Josh Emmett def. Dan Ige via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Dominick Cruz def. Pedro Munhoz via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Tai Tuivasa def. Augusto Sakai via second-round knockout (strikes, 0:26)

Bruno Silva def. Jordan Wright via first-round TKO (strikes, 1:28)

Saturday 18 December – UFC Fight Night – UFC Apex, Las Vegas

Derrick Lewis vs Chris Daukaus (heavyweight)

Cub Swanson vs Darren Elkins (featherweight)

Charles Jourdain vs Andre Ewell (featherweight)

Justin Tafa vs Harry Hunsucker (heavyweight)

Read More

Follow live updates and fight results from UFC 269

Follow live updates and fight results from UFC 269

Amanda Nunes vs Julianna Pena UK time: When does UFC 269 co-main event start tonight?

Amanda Nunes vs Julianna Pena live stream: How to watch UFC 269 online and on TV

Dustin Poirier vs Charles Oliveira UK time: When does UFC 269 main event start?

Dustin Poirier vs Charles Oliveira live stream: How to watch UFC 269 online and on TV