JNPO: Running the UFC 24-for-26 gauntlet, pt. 2
On part 1 of the UFC 24-in-26 week gauntlet, Spencer Kyte (UFC.com, Sporting News, The Province) and I ran through a slew of UFC events from September through mid-December, part of a hellacious half-year stretch for the promotion.
On part 2, we finish up the run, going through UFC Fresno through the UFC’s March 3rd PPV in Las Vegas, picking one fight, one fighter, one moment, or one storyline that stood out to both of us.
On the docket:
– The rise of Brian Ortega to featherweight title contention with big finishes over veterans Cub Swanson and Frankie Edgar
– The rise to slight stumble of heavyweight stud Francis Ngannou
– The very eventful UFC 220
– Veterans returning to form (Lyoto Machida, Donald Cerrone) and veterans staking their claim to a title shot (Rafael dos Anjos)
– The strange trend of fighters being brought back after short layoffs to main event shows (Josh Emmett, Machida, Derek Brunson)
Hear all that and more on a new JNPO:
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.