UFC 320 is looking stronger every day.
On Monday, a top-notch middleweight fight was added to the card making the already stacked Las Vegas card look even better–at least on paper. Joe Pyfer will take on Abus Magomedov in a battle that could prove which veteran 185er has what it takes to take a step up in the rankings.
Pyfer could be seen as the Jacob Fatu of the UFC’s middleweight division. He’s all gas and no brakes, but that approach has gotten him into trouble against Jack Hermansson where he appeared to gas out as he was forced to grapple for extended periods.
That aspect of Pyfer’s game will almost certainly be put to the test against Magomedov. The Dagestani Russian brings a heavy grappling style as evidenced by his gutsy submission victory over Brunno Ferreira in October 2024.
Magomedov had some tense moments, but he wound up winning by third-round submission using an arm-triangle as he overtook the gassed-out Ferreira. Is the same thing going to happen to Pyfer?
A win would solidify Magomedov’s status at No. 14 in the division. A loss would probably see him swap spots with Pyfer who comes into the fight unranked.
Because of the stylistic battle between Pyfer and Magomedov, it should fit nicely on the UFC 320 card that already has its share of potential bangers.
The main event will see Alex Pereira looking to avenge his loss to Magomed Ankalaev in hopes of regaining his UFC light heavyweight title. No matter what happens, this could be Pereira’s last fight at light heavyweight.
In the co-main event, my favorite for UFC Fighter of the Year, Merab Dvalishvili will look to defend his title for the third time in 2025 when he faces long-time contender Cory Sandhagen.
I know Ilia Topuria is on a crazy run, but if Dvalishvili beats Sandhagen, he’s the fighter of the year. Also, former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka will battle Khalil Rountree Jr. in a fight that could steal the show. While the card isn’t complete, here are the fights we know about:
- Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira — Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)
- Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen — Bantamweight (135 lbs)
- Joe Pyfer vs. Abus Magomedov — Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Jiří Procházka vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. — Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)
- Edmen Shahbazyan vs. André Muniz — Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Macy Chiasson vs. Yana Santos — Bantamweight (135 lbs)
- Ateba Gautier vs. Ozzy Diaz — Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Farid Basharat vs. Chris Gutierrez — Bantamweight (135 lbs)
Last Saturday’s UFC Fight Night: Taira vs. Park and the next one featuring Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez on August 9 aren’t going to get fans out of their chairs–at least not on name recognition.
However, business picks up with UFC 319 on August 16. The August 23 card in China has a nice feel to it because of location and local star power while Noche UFC should highlight September’s slate.
October is where the real fire will be on the upcoming UFC calendar and UFC 320 is a big reason for the buzz.
