UFC Vegas 18

Cody Stamann gets a new opponent for UFC Vegas 18

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UFC Vegas 18 has seen a switch up for this Saturday night. Originally, Cody Stamann (19-3-1) was set to take on Andre Ewell (17-6) this Saturday, however, that fight has been called off after Ewell tested positive for COVID-19.

The UFC worked quickly and found Stamann a replacement. Stamann will take on UFC newcomer, Askar Askar (11-1) this Saturday night. The news was first reported by Bloody Canvas. Askar last competed at LFA 92 back in October where he won a decision.

For Askar, he’s taking his shot, but it’s a steep mountain to climb on Saturday night. Stamann is one of the best in the promotion and that’s a lot to take on with just under a week’s notice. However, taking this fight will do nothing but earn him praise with the promotion.

Entering 2020, Askar Askar was undefeated. However, back in February he suffered his first career loss when he was knocked out by Saidyokub Kakhramonov in the first round. As mentioned, he bounced back to defeat Kevin Wirth in October.

UFC newcomer takes on top bantamweight

Cody Stamann will make the walk on Saturday as the thirteenth ranked bantamweight in the UFC. Since making his debut with the promotion back in 2017, the only men to have defeated him are near the top of the division.

Stamann has a 5-2-1 record in the UFC after eight fights. However, the two losses came against Aljamain Sterling and Jimmie Rivera while the draw came against Song Yadong. All ranked bantamweights in the UFC.

The last we saw Stamann was when he took on Jimmie Rivera on Fight Island. Stamann had just fought a month prior to that and defeated Brian Kelleher. He was looking to capitalize on the momentum, but ultimately dropped a decision to Rivera.

Now, Stamann will look to get back on track with a win over Askar. It’s a risky fight to take for Stamann considering it’s such short notice against someone who’s never been in the UFC. I would expect a heavy dose of wrestling on Saturday night from The Spartan.

Alistair Overeem wants to capture UFC gold then immediately retire

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This weekend at UFC Vegas 18, Alistair Overeem (47-18, 1 NC) will continue down his final run inside the octagon. The Demolition Man turns 41 in May and he knows that his time as a UFC heavyweight is coming to an end.

Overeem headlines this weekend’s upcoming card against Alexander Volkov (32-8). Both men currently rank inside the UFC’s top six at heavyweight and a win for either man puts them one step closer to a title shot.

Overeem had his first professional MMA fight back in 1999. His career has taken him all over the world and he’s competed in virtually every major MMA organization there’s ever been. He’s also won many world titles all across the globe.

Overeem was the heavyweight champion in Dream and Strikeforce. In addition to that, Overeem was the K-1 World Grand Prix Champion in kickboxing. One of only two fighters ever to have the distinction of a kickboxing and MMA world title simultaneously.

The one thing that has eluded Overeem is the UFC heavyweight title. Overeem came over to the UFC in 2011 as the Strikeforce heavyweight champion. He debuted by finishing Brock Lesnar in the first round. However, he later failed a drug test before his first UFC title shot and was suspended.

Upon his return, Overeem lost two straight. Overeem was able to climb the ladder and earned himself a title shot at UFC 203 against Stipe Miocic. The Demolition Man was finished in the first round after some early success.

One final UFC title run

Throughout his UFC career, Overeem has come close to the title. However, up to this point, he’s never been able to capture the title. This is the only thing missing from Overeem’s career and he’s made it clear that if he accomplishes his goal, he’s done.

In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Overeem said, “I would retire immediately (after winning the UFC title). There’s nothing to prove at that point.” He’s also alluded to the fact that if his championship window closes, he will walk away from the sport.

With that in mind, every time Alistair Overeem walks into the octagon from here on out, it could be for the final time. If Overeem wins at UFC Vegas 18, he’s likely only one more win away from a title shot.

However, if Overeem falters and Volkov wins, we might see the last of The Demolition Man. Overeem has had an incredible career, however, it would feel somewhat incomplete if he’s never able to get UFC gold. He’s got a steep mountain in front of him and it’ll be fascinating to see if he can reach the summit.