UFC In September: Grudge Matches, Key Bouts, Nate Diaz

September has arrived and with it another slew of UFC events.

Things kick-start into overdrive this Saturday as the Octagon invades France for the first time. UFC Fight Night 209 takes place from Paris with Ciryl Gane and Tai Tuivasa in the main event.

The country only legalized mixed martial arts in 2020, and the UFC was quick to prepare to hold an event there. Bellator MMA has held cards in France already.

Gane, a former interim UFC heavyweight champion, is a native and will be given a hero’s welcome upon arriving. He is coming off a decision loss in January to Francis Ngannou.

Tuivasa is no stranger to fighting as the villain. He knocked out Derrick Lewis in February in Houston and is riding a five-fight win streak.

The ESPN+ card also features former champion Robert Whittaker vs. Marvin Vettori and the likes of Alessio Di Chirico and John Makdessi.

Following the trip across the world, the UFC returns to Las Vegas and the T-Mobile Arena for UFC 279 on September 10. That also marks the return – and possible last appearance – of Nate Diaz for the promotion.

Diaz will attempt to derail the hype of rising contender Khamzat Chimaev. Tony Ferguson returns to battle Li Jingliang, while Daniel Rodriguez and Kevin Holland are also scheduled.

The following weekend will mark the final UFC card of the month. Cory Sandhagen and Song Yadong square off in a bantamweight battle from the UFC Apex in “Sin City.”

It is going to be a quick rush through three events for the promotion before they head into October with many, many more fights already lined up.