Risk and redemption at UFC 213

The undercard of UFC 213: Nunes vs. Shevchenko 2 is filled with significant names from the UFC roster, making the PPV card one of great drawing potential for the organization. These fights are important, not just for the UFC, but for the individual fighters, many of whom are coming off loses and looking to once again climb the divisional rankings.

Perhaps the most notable appearance outside of the two title fights at UFC 213 is that of Robbie Lawler. The former UFC Welterweight Champion makes his first appearance since losing the title to Tyron Woodley at UFC 201. After going on a five fight winning streak that included highlight championship performances against Carlos Condit and Rory MacDonald, Lawler’s knockout loss to Woodley came as a shock to many. After nearly a year off to recover from the loss, Lawler looks to make a triumphant comeback against Donald Cerrone.

In his sixth fight in the Welterweight division, Donald Cerrone is also looking to redeem himself after a TKO loss to Jorge Masvidal. The loss, which ended Cerrone’s win streak at four fights, derailed what has so far been a very successful move up in weight class for Cerrone. The much anticipated fight Lawler bout has potential to earn both men bonuses at the end of the night, and the title implications for both men are significant given their recent lengthy winning streaks.

UFC 213’s title implications continue with the heavyweight division and Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum. Both men recently secured victories after losing title fights to the current Heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic and UFC matchmaking tendencies have shown for years that a few dominant wins are all that are needed to end up back in the title picture. Overeem and Werdum are quite familiar with each other, having defeated each other in two previous bouts over the years. For the Pride and Strikeforce veterans this trilogy fight comes on the biggest stage yet and it comes with the biggest consequences for their storied careers.

Perhaps the biggest chance at redemption is in Anthony Pettis’ hands as he prepares to take on fellow UFC veteran Jim Miller in the Lightweight division. After going 1-4 in his last five fights and missing weight for his second Featherweight fight, a defeat to current Featherweight champion Max Holloway, a win for Pettis on the scale and inside the Octagon would be significant. Jim Miller also seeks to make a comeback after losing a decision to Dustin Poirier in February.

The six fighters that make up UFC 213’s non title fight main card have a significant night ahead of them. While each bout has the potential to be fan pleasing, each fighter balances that dangerous risk with the potential to solidify a safe win. The one thing that is for sure is that none of these fighters can afford to do nothing with the stakes that they face.

UFC 213 is set to happen on July 8, 2017 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.