The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Houston for the first time in three years on February 8 as the Toyota Centre stages UFC 247.
The light heavyweight title clash between Jon Jones and Dominick Reyes is the standout bout on a main card that is packed with plenty of exciting match-ups.
The women’s flyweight contest between Valentina Shevchenko and Katlyn Chookagian is set to be the co-headliner, while there are a trio of other eye-catching fights on the main card.
Read on as we preview the co-headline bouts at UFC 247.
Jon Jones v Dominick Reyes
Jones hasn’t been beaten since 2009 and is strongly fancied to enhance his record when he defends the light heavyweight title against Reyes.
‘Bones’ is undefeated in his last 17 fights and is argued by many pundits to be the best pound-for-pound MMA exponent in the world.
He has very few weaknesses in his armoury, proving equally adept at fighting at distance, close-up or down on the mat.
Reyes has won six-out-of-six since joining the UFC and was extremely impressive in his last outing against Chris Weidman.
However, Jones represents a significant step up in class for Reyes and the champion is expected to retain his title with ease.
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Valentina Shevchenko vs Katlyn Chookagian
Valentina Shevchenko has proved to be a wrecking ball since dropping into the flyweight division, winning her last four fights.
She defeated Joanna Jedrzejczyk to win the title and has since gone on to defend it against Jessica Eye and Liz Carmouche.
Chookagian was beaten by Eye two fights ago, but has bounced back with victories over Joanne Calderwood and Jennifer Maia to earn her title shot.
Despite her recent upturn in form, the US fighter could have her work cut out against the ‘Bullet’ in Houston.
Shevchenko’s only two defeats in the UFC have been inflicted by Amanda Nunes, with the tough Brazilian securing decision verdicts on each occasion.
It would be foolish to underestimate Chookagian given her recent results, but Shevchenko should safely defend her title for the third time.
UFC 247 MAIN CARD
Jon Jones v Dominick Reyes – Light Heavyweight
Valentina Shevchenko v Katlyn Chookagian – Women’s Flyweight
Juan Adams v Justin Tafa - Heavyweight
Mirsad Bektic v Dan Ige – Featherweight
Derrick Lewis v Ilir Latifi - Heavyweight
