Alex Pereira will defend his UFC light-heavyweight world championship against Jamahal Hill as the headline bout on the historic UFC 300 card.
Dana White announced on Saturday during the post fight press conference following Ilia Topuria’s win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, that the light-heavyweight bout will top the stacked bill in April.
On a card that includes a whole host of former and current world champions, the headline fight had been promised to be a blockbuster.
The likes of Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic and Tom Aspinall had been tipped to headline the card at different stages of the build-up.
But while the Pereira-Hill fight is sure to be a great world title fight, some UFC fans are not sure it is befitting of such an historic card.
UFC fans hail Leon Edwards after Dana White’s admission
Another champion who had been tipped to headline UFC 300 this week was welterweight world champion Leon Edwards.
Reports earlier in the week suggested Edwards could headline the card in a title defense against Khamzat Chimaev.
That didn’t materialise but UFC president White has confirmed Edwards said yes to three different opponents to headline the card.
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Dana White says Leon Edwards was offered three opponents for UFC 300 and said yes to all of them."Was willing to take on anybody. Kid's an absolute stud. Leon, thank you. Much respect." pic.twitter.com/nDaX7Sm3od
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) February 18, 2024
“We were out there talking to lots of people, trying to make lots of fights,” White said at the UFC 298 post-fight press conference.
“In this business, it’s about taking opportunities. Headlining UFC 300 with all the buzz and all the energy around it.
“Let me say this — Leon Edwards has had, like, three opponents throughout this thing. Leon Edwards doesn’t say no to anybody. This kid is an absolute stud.
“He’s had like three opponents thrown at him during UFC 300 [conversations] — yes, yes, yes. He was willing to take on anybody. Kid’s an absolute stud. Leon, thank you, much respect.”
It led to UFC fans heaping praise on the welterweight king for his willingness to fight any contender and the 32-year-old has been dubbed ‘underappreciated’.
One fan tweeted: “Absolutely love Leon Edwards. Technically one of the best in the business, and will mix it with anyone. One of the most under appreciated fighters on the roster.”
Another tweeted: “Gutted for Leon Edwards. Said yes to three different opponents for #UFC300 and none of them came off.”