5 blockbuster fights to keep an eye on at UFC 273

Arguably the greatest featherweight of all time, Alexander Volkanovski returns to action in next weekend's headline bout

Next Saturday sees UFC 273 go down from Jacksonville, Florida. Despite some late changes, this is an event definitely worth checking out.

UFC 273 not only features two title bouts at the top of the card, but there are plenty of other intriguing fights on tap both on the main card and the preliminaries.

The heart of a champion on full display ❤️

@AlexVolkanovski explains what went through his mind during that third round 👀

[ #UFC273 | April 9 | Live on ESPN+ PPV: ufc.ac/38c71dW ] https://t.co/peOCVGUlNf

With that in mind, here are five blockbuster fights to keep an eye on at UFC 273.

#5. UFC strawweight bout: Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres

Mackenzie Dern's grappling skills make her a potentially intriguing strawweight title contender

Reigning strawweight champion Rose Namajunas is set to defend her title against top contender Carla Esparza in May, but who will be next for the winner of that fight?

There are a number of viable challengers out there, but with an impressive performance next weekend, either Mackenzie Dern or Tecia Torres could well jump to the front of the queue.

Dern is coming off a loss to Marina Rodriguez in her last fight, but it’s not like she put in a bad showing, with the bout winning the event’s Fight of the Night award. More importantly, her style makes her arguably the most intriguing challenge for the champion, whether that’s Namajunas or Esparza.

Simply put, Dern is the best grappler in the division by a mile right now when it comes to her Brazilian jiu-jitsu credentials. If she can put Torres on the ground next weekend, then there’s a chance she’ll win impressively.

MACKENZIE DERN GETS IT DONE IN BRAZIL 🇧🇷 #UFC224 https://t.co/fj3JJrUyjA

However, only a fool would count out Torres. ‘The Tiny Tornado’ has been in the promotion now for nearly eight years and, right now, she’s riding a three-fight winning streak and has looked excellent in those bouts.

Torres has a skilled striking game, as well as solid takedown defense. So there’s every chance that she could put Dern under real pressure if she can stuff the first few shots that come her way.

Either way, this is definitely a fight not to miss, particularly as Dern has claimed a total of four post-fight bonus awards since her arrival in the octagon in 2018.