UFC 217 Will Conquer Boxing This Weekend
While boxing has long been the standard by which all other forms of violent combat sports have been measured, the UFC and mixed martial arts as a whole have the rare opportunity this weekend to get one over on their squared-circle arch rivals. Here's a look at all the action coming up:
Stiverne v Wilder 2
In a weekend filled with solid boxing action from across the globe, the headline event is a real let-down.
Yet again, WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is left languishing in the lower stratosphere of this newly developing heavyweight division, with an unavoidable defence against former foe Bermaine Stiverne.
In their first matchup, 'The Bronze Bomber' arguably dominated the action, wobbling a lacklustre Stiverne several times, on the way to a wide points decision victory. Granted, Stiverne did become the first man to avoid getting knocked out by Wilder but considering Wilder was aiming for a more controlled and paced performance than usual, this is no surprise.
Aside from the moments Wilder looked close to finishing the show, this wasn't a very entertaining affair, and with Stiverne looking far from his leanest on the scales, there's a good chance he won't be offering much more of a challenge than last time.
Stick around if you want to see Wilder do what he does best, but nobody would blame you for missing this one. On the plus side, Shawn Porter is on the undercard.