We are officially on the countdown to International Fight Week. However one card still separates fans from now and International Fight Week, UFC Ottawa. That would be UFC Fight Night 89: MacDonald vs. Thompson in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This card might be one of the most underrated cards this year, as it features many exciting fighters – including the return of Rory MacDonald (18-3).
The last time we saw MacDonald was at UFC 189, where he suffered a 5th Round TKO loss to UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler in an arguable Fight of The Year candidate. MacDonald steps back into the octagon to face Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (12-1). Owner of a six fight win streak, Thompson, carries incredible striking speed, power, and an increasingly improved take down defense. Thompson’s most recent fight was a 1st Round TKO of Johny Hendricks in the main event at UFC Fight Night 62 back in February. Thompson has won four of his last five fights via TKO/KO.
The co-main event of this fight card features UFC fan favorite Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and Quebec native Patrick “The Predator” Cote. Cerrone is coming off a very impressive welterweight debut, where he choked out Alex Oliveria back in February. Cowboy is a dangerous veteran with KO power in both hands and feet. He is particularly effective with step-in knees to the body and properly set up head kicks.
Riding a current three-fight win streak (most recently a 2nd Round TKO of Ben Saunders), Cote has won six out of his last seven fights dating back to 2012. Cote’s only loss was to none other than Stephen Thompson, raising the stakes for this impending grudge match.
The sleeper fight is unquestionably between former Team Rousey member and The Ultimate Fighter Season 18 fighter, Chris Beal and Joe Soto. Consecutive losses in the UFC can be the swan song of any fighter in the bantamweight division.
This card features a bevy of TUF fighters such as Randa Markos, as well as the inaugural debut of the women’s flyweight division. as Valerie Letourneau faces Joanne Calderwood. Canadian submission artist Olivier Aubin-Mercier and Samsonesque fan favorite Elias “The Spartan” Theodorou are also featured on the card.
UFC: Ottawa might not be the most promoted card this season, but be sure to tune in and catch some fun, exciting fights.
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