UFC 263 is finally upon us. In classic Ultimate Fighting Championship fashion, the event is jam-packed with rising and ranked talent from many of the promotions men and women’s divisions. The event is led by a championship two-piece and a Diaz brother soda.
As the main event features a rematch between two men that can’t stand each other, in middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and third-ranked Marvin Vettori. In the co-main event, a rematch of one of the best scraps in 2020 as flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo once again defends his gold against Mexican star Brandon Moreno. But before all that, the one and only Stockton bad-ass himself Nate Diaz returns to the welterweight division to face top contender Leon Edwards.
How to watch UFC 263 on June 12
- Early prelims kick off the card at 6 pm ET on UFC Fight Pass
- Preliminary action starts at 8 pm ET on ESPN and ESPN+
- The star-studded main card commences at 10 pm exclusively on ESPN+
UFC 263 fight card
Main Card (10 pm, ESPN+)
Israel Adesanya vs. Marvin Vettori
Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno
Demian Maia vs. Belal Muhammad
Preliminary Card (8 pm ET, ESPN & ESPN+)
Eryk Anders vs. Darren Stewart
Lauren Murphy vs. Joanne Calderwood
Hakeem Dawodu vs. Movsar Evloev
Pannie Kianzad vs. Alexis Davis
Early Preliminary Card (6 pm ET, UFC Fight Pass)
Matt Frevola vs. Frank Camacho
Steven Peterson vs. Chase Hooper
UFC 263 Preview: Appointment television fights
Israel Adesanya vs Marvin Vettori
Adesanya versus Vettori is the rematch most anticipated by casuals and fans hoping for a stunning finish. “The Last Stylebender” is one of the most gifted strikers the UFC has ever seen. Stunning finishes that end up on highlight reels is his calling card. However, if Vettori were to end the night early for his bitter rival, it would be a shocking moment to hand the Nigerian–by way of New Zealand–just his second L and first by stoppage. What makes this fight so exciting is either result is completely possible because of the talent involved.
Prediction: Adesanya by unanimous decision
Deiveson Figueiredo vs Brandon Moreno
This is the most anticipated fight on the card for the diehards. Their fight last December was one of the best fights of 2020, and a lot of peoples choice for the best fight in UFC flyweight history. The fact that it went to a draw, and the challenger seemed to come on strong late makes fans all the more thirsty to see these two go at it one more time.
“Deus Da Guerra” is a bad boy thumper that is fun to hate but a fighter you want to see compete. While “The Assassin Baby” is an easy to root-for hero that’s tougher than nails and has that classic Mexican fighting spirit. Can they land on the fight of the year list in back-to-back years? I certainly would not doubt these two.
Prediction: Brandon Moreno by split-decision
Nate Diaz vs Leon Edwards
Simply put, Edwards is a tough matchup for Diaz. That’s why he is a heavy-betting favorite heading into this fight. However, that is what makes Diaz such an enchanting fighter. He has the sort of blood and guts, rage-filled willpower that can seemingly overcome any obstacle. And watching him give it the old college try is worth the price of admission every time. It’s a battle of elite welterweight talent versus a pretty good fighter with the endless will of a zombie.
Prediction: Leon Edwards by unanimous decision
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