UFC 263 The return of Nate Diaz and 2 title fights

By Josh Lynnes
GLENDALE, AZ –Saturday’s UFC 263 at Gila River Arena is headlined by two rematches of very close fights yet it’s the fight that precedes those that has all the hype.
In the main event Israel Adesanya looks to defend his middleweight belt against #3 Marvin Vettori who lost a close split decision to Adesanya 3 years ago in the same arena. Adesanya is coming of the first loss of his career in March when he moved up to light heavyweight to fight champion Jan Blachowicz in an attempt to attain double champion status.
The co-main event is a rematch of what many have called the greatest flyweight fight of all-time as Brandon Moreno once again looks to take the title from Deiveson Figueiredo. These two fought to a majority draw last November in Las Vegas.
With as much heat as there is between the fighters in the main event and co-main, this week has been all about the UFC’s first non-title 5 round fight outside of the main event.
Much of that hype come from the return of Nate Diaz. Whenever Diaz fights it is a main event worthy affair and the crowds this week have let that be known often breaking into chants of “Diaz” during the press conference and weigh-ins. Saturday he takes on #3 welterweight Leon Edwards in his first fight since 2019 when he lost to Jorge Masvidal due to a controversial doctor stoppage for a cut over Diaz’s eye.
Elsewhere on the main card Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Demian Maia takes on Belal Muhammad in a battle of top 15 welterweights. Scotland’s Paul Craig will fight Jamahal Hill at light heavyweight.
Among the prelims Brad Riddell rides a 6-fight win streak as he looks to break into the lightweight rankings in his match-up with thirteenth ranked Drew Dober. Top 10 women’s flyweights collide as Lauren Murphy faces Joanne Calderwood and former University of Alabama linebacker Eryk Anders meets England’s Darren Stewart.
The early prelims feature Sweden’s Pannie Kianzad taking on octagon veteran Alexis Davis in a women’s bantamweight clash.
Early prelims start at 5:00PM CDT on ESPN, ESPN+, & UFC Fight Pass. Action then shifts to ESPN and ESPN+ at 7:00PM followed by the pay-per-view at 9:00PM on ESPN+ PPV.