UFC Today: UFC PPV Booked, Conor McGregor's Return, UFC 300 Draws Closer, Heavyweight Banger Scheduled

MMA Knockout's Zain Bando is back with the biggest headlines from the combat sports scene.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

After a week-long hiatus , MMA Knockout’s Zain Bando is back with the biggest headlines surrounding the combat sports scene.

Stay tuned for new editions every Monday, as has been routine for the last few weeks. Without further ado, let’s get to the good stuff.

UFC Summer Schedule Starts to Come Together 

The promotion revealed two event dates in June, including UFC 302 in Newark, N.J., on June 1. Although the promotion wrapped up an event in the region two days ago, New Jersey is getting the benefit of the doubt, given a lack of consistent trips during the pandemic. But now, it gets the pay-per-view treatment. A main event has not been announced, but six fights have:

• Joselyne Edwards vs. Ailin Perez
• Mickey Gall vs. Bassil Hafez
• Grant Dawson vs. Joe Solecki
• Michelle Waterson-Gomez vs. Gillian Robertson
• Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez
• Jake Matthews vs. Philip Rowe

Nevertheless, given who is available to compete, the promotion’s options are less contingent on rankings and wins and more on TV ratings, etc.

UFC 302 wasn’t the only card the UFC had planned for June. International Fight Week culminates on June 29, plus the UFC’s first-ever trip to Saudi Arabia a week prior.

Conor McGregor Insists on a Comeback Fight

Conor McGregor is hellbent on returning to MMA in 2024, opposite Michael Chandler or another opponent. McGregor, 35, sat down with TNT Sports for an exclusive interview and did his best to clear the air on a comeback fight.

McGregor said he intends to keep fighting regardless of age or how much he is worth.

“The UFC truly is stellar, and it has allowed me to pursue my dreams,” McGregor said. “To pursue my goal of, you know, success and attrition and, you know, world championships. And that’s it. I’m forever indebted to the UFC and forever grateful to be part of this amazing company.”

McGregor said he wants to re-sign with the promotion at the conclusion of his two-fight contract, but it is unknown if those plans will come to fruition.

UFC 300 Follow-up Promo Gets Released

During the UFC Atlantic City main card broadcast, the promotion unveiled the latest teaser ahead of UFC 300, just 12 days away in Las Vegas. The video chronicles the sport's history in under five minutes, plus makes room for fantasy matchups of current and former champions depicted against each other.

It likely won’t be the last UFC 300 promo seen ahead of the event, as UFC CEO Dana White teased a “documentary” surrounding the creation of the fight card but gave no further details on when it will air or what to expect.

UFC St. Louis Gets Heavyweight Main Event

The UFC returns to the Midwest for the first time since April 2023 and announced Saturday afternoon a captivating five-round main event clash between Derrick Lewis and Rodrigo Nascimento. The rest of the card is still being finalized, but it is set to take place on May 11 from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, MO.

Stay tuned for more news and nuggets across MMAKO in the week ahead.

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