With the UFC returning from an extended hiatus and headed for “big” ESPN, it only makes sense the heavyweights take the headlines.
Alistair Overeem and Jairzinho Rozenstruik main event Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 7 card from Washington, D.C. and the Capital One Arena. The main card airs live on ESPN along with much of the prelims.
This marks just the second UFC card to take place in the U.S. capital, with the first dating back to 2011. The card featured Dominick Cruz defending his UFC title against Demetrious Johnson.
What’s up, DC!? ?
We’ll see you Wednesday afternoon!
➡️ Be there on time for a chance to win tickets! pic.twitter.com/nitaXgHFjK
— UFC (@ufc) December 1, 2019
Overeem, a former Strikeforce and K-1 World Grand Prix champion, was originally scheduled to meet Walt Harris in the bout. However, after his step-daughter went missing recently, Harris pulled out.
The loss of Aniah Is an unimaginable tragedy and UFC extends its deepest condolences to Walt and his family during this difficult time.
We thank everyone for their support, including local and state Alabama law enforcement, media, athletes, managers and fans. pic.twitter.com/XmjcKsmO89
— UFC (@ufc) November 27, 2019
That was far from the only planned fight to get changed.
Claudia Gadelha was set to meet Cynthia Calvillo, but Gadelha broke her finger and has been replaced by Marina Rodriguez. Cortney Casey and Vima Jandiroba were to meet, but Casey pulled out in October.
Officials replaced her with former Invicta FC champion Livia Renata Souza, but Jandiroba again lost an opponent when he exited the fight. Mallory Martin is the third scheduled opponent now for Jandiroba.
Alonzo Menifield and Trevor Smith were booked to square off in the middleweight division, but Menifield was pulled and replaced by Makhmud Muradov. Former interim champion Carlos Condit suffered a detached retina, scrapping his bout with Mickey Gall.
Also, Jacob Kilburn replaced Chris Fishgold for a fight in the featherweight division with Billy Quarantillo.
Other scheduled fights for this weekend include Stefan Struve vs. Ben Rothwell, Aspen Ladd vs. Yana Kunitskaya and Thiago Alves vs. Tim Means.
UFC On ESPN 7 Fight Primer: Alistair Overeem Vs. Andrei Arlovski
Back in 2016, fight fans were treated to a meeting of former heavyweight champions. Alistair Overeem and Andrei Arlovski squared off, with “The Reem” getting the better of Arlovski.
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) November 25, 2019
Alistair Overeem: Warrior Code
What does it mean to be a fighter? Go inside the mind of Alistair Overeem in the latest edition of Warrior Code.
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) November 29, 2019