- Alexander Volkanovski and the Korean Zombie highlight the UFC 273.
- The rematch between Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan is scheduled as the co-main event.
- Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev are the third mega-battle on this card.
UFC 273 Schedule
- Where: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida
- When: Saturday, April 2, 10 pm ET
- How to Watch: ESPN +
UFC 273 Preview
Volkanovski vs. Zombie
The featherweight title bout between the champion, Alexander Volkanovski and the Korean Zombie is the main event of the evening. We need to say that the UFC fans aren’t happy about this bout because most believe that the Korean fighter isn’t the top challenger. Though, he is way past his peak, and this is the organization’s way of honoring this guy.
He is a powerful puncher with a brutal output who often posts highlight-reel wins. Or losses. As time went by, his chin became fragile, and despite what many think, his defense is full of flaws.
Volkanovski recently defeated Brian Ortega, but he wasn’t as confident as expected. Previously, he defended the belt against Holloway in a highly controversial event. Still, we believe that the Aussie is at a far higher level than his rival, and that he won’t have any trouble of beating the reckless Korean.
Pick: Volkanovski
Sterling vs Yan Preview
Aljamain Sterling will defend his UFC bantamweight title against the former champion, Petr Yan. This is the long-awaited rematch between these two guys, because the previous one didn’t get the ending it deserves. Yan was disqualified following an illegal kick in the head while the American was still on the ground. The Funk Master would then get the title, but to be honest, nobody acknowledged it.
Sterling didn’t have any bouts since that one, while Yan defeated Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision at the UFC 267. He was very dominant, proving that the loss to Sterling didn’t affect his morale.
To be perfectly straight with you in this case, we simply can’t see Sterling getting away from a loss here, and we predict him suffering one very nasty wooping.
Pick: Yan
Burns vs Chimaev
Maybe the closest battle of the entire evening. Burns is one of the best welterweights and he wants a rematch with Kamaru and another chance to take the title. Meanwhile, Chimaev is one of the fastest rising stars in the UFC, and he has been impressive so far. Still, he didn’t meet a former title challenger up until now.
Burns lost to Kamaru but, following that, beat Stephen Thompson. He is one hell of a form, putting a lot of big names in his resume, among others, Tyron Woodley, Demian Maia, Gunnar Nelson etc.
As for Chimaev, he is perfect right now and is coming off an impressive triumph over Li Jingliang at the UFC 267. All of his 10 wins were via stoppage, the previous three in the first round. That tells a lot about this guy.
We aren’t going with the mainstream, but predict Burns’ win, because of his ability to match Chimaev’s raw power and also due to his experience, which is on his side.
Pick: Burns
