REPORT | Another key welterweight fight in the works for UFC Liverpool
The UFC’s welterweight division is finally back in motion as three huge 170-pound matchups were confirmed to be in the works last week.
News broke early Thursday morning that perennial division contenders Rafael Dos Anjos and Colby Covington would be squaring off for the promotions interim title at UFC 224 this May in Rio.
Breaking! According to multiple sources close to the situation, the UFC is targeting an interim welterweight title fight between Rafael dos Anjos and Colby Covington for #UFC224 on May 12 in Rio. Nothing is official yet, but it sounds like the deal could be finalized soon. #UFC
advertisement – continue reading below— Chris Taylor (@CTaylor_96) March 22, 2018
“Breaking! According to multiple sources close to the situation, the UFC is targeting an interim welterweight title fight between Rafael dos Anjos and Colby Covington for #UFC224 on May 12 in Rio. Nothing is official yet, but it sounds like the deal could be finalized soon. #UFC” – Chris Taylor
While the UFC has yet to confirm the Covington vs. RDA matchup, BJPENN.com has confirmed that verbal agreements are in place and the interim welterweight title fight is expected to be officially announced shortly.
The second high profile welterweight fight announced this past week will serve as the event headliner for UFC Liverpool, as undefeated contender Darren Till will faceoff with former two-time title challenger Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson.
Breaking! Per sources Stephen Thompson answers the call! “Wonderboy” is set to fight Darren Till in the main event of #UFCLiverpool
— Chris Taylor (@CTaylor_96) March 23, 2018
“Breaking! Per sources Stephen Thompson answers the call! “Wonderboy” is set to fight Darren Till in the main event of #UFCLiverpool” – Chris Taylor
The third key welterweight matchup announced last week features Santiago Ponzinbbio vs. Kamaru Usman which will headline the UFC’s debut in Chile on May 19. MMAFighting’s Ariel Helwani broke the news:
Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Kamaru Usman is close to being finalized as the main event for the UFC’s debut event in Chile on May 19, according to multiple sources. Not signed but that is the direction they are going in.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 23, 2018
Most recently, a fourth high profile welterweight fights was announced as being in the works, as Farah Hannoun is reporting that Gunnar Nelson and Neil Magny will throw down at UFC Liverpool on May 27.
EXCLUSIVE: Gunnar Nelson vs. Neil Magny in the works for UFC Liverpool (May 27th) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/Bujes6fcgw
— Farah Hannoun (@Farah_Hannoun) March 26, 2018
“EXCLUSIVE: Gunnar Nelson vs. Neil Magny in the works for UFC Liverpool (May 27th) #UFC #MMA” – Farah Hannoun
Magny has gone 5-2 over his past seven octagon appearances.
Meanwhile, Gunnar Nelson was last seen in action at UFC Scotland in July where he suffered a controversial first-round knockout loss to Santiago Ponzinibbio.
Prior to the setback, “Gunni” was coming off back-to-back submission wins over opponents Alan Jouban and Albert Tumenov.
Who do you think will emerge victorious if Gunnar Nelson and Neil Magny is made official for UFC Liverppol? Sound off PENN Nation!