More reasons to watch UFC 234

The Octagon will soon return to the Land Down Under as UFC 234 is almost here.

On the surface, UFC 234 is all about the main event and co-main event. Australia’s own Robert Whittaker will defend his middleweight title against Kelvin Gastelum in the headliner, while “The Spider” Anderson Silva will look to shock the world when he faces off with the unbeaten Israel Adesanya.

If you don’t get excited about those two fights you might want to check your pulse. Both fights will have a lasting impact on the middleweight title picture for some time to come.

That being said, two fights alone is not enough for many fans to justify the hefty pay-per-view price tags that accompanies such an event. Perhaps we can help.

Here are some more reasons to watch UFC 234.

Ricky Simón

The 26-year-old Ricky Simón will make the walk to the Octagon for the third time on Saturday night as he takes on a true veteran in Rani Yahya.

This former King of the Cage (KOTC) and Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) bantamweight champion is looking to make a statement and continue his ascent in the 135-pound division. He will no doubt face his steepest test to date in Yahya.

Nadia Kassem

At just 23-years-old Nadia Kassem is one of the youngest female fighters on the roster. She entered the UFC as a 4-0 prospect but she has quickly positioned herself as a fighter to watch in 2019.

Kassem will look to build on the momentum she earned in November when she defeated Alex Chambers via unanimous decision. A very tough Montana De La Rosa will stand in her way.

Does Nadia keep it going or does Montana come to Australia and give Nadia her first loss?

Jim Crute

Another undefeated Australian fighter will kick off the PPV main card as Jim Crute squares off against “Smilin” Sam Alvey.

Having earned his first official UFC win just two months ago, a kimura submission over Paul Craig in Adelaide, Crute now looks to make his way to the top of the 205-pound division.

The 22-year-old Crute will be giving up 10 years and countless hours of training experience to Alvey but that’s why they fight because anything can happen in the sport of MMA.

Austin Arnett vs. Shane Young

Austin Arnett vs Shane Young is not just an exciting featherweight contest this weekend, it’s a clear frontrunner for Fight of the Night honors.

Both Arnett and Young bring it every time they step foot in the Octagon. Arnett recently rebounded from a three-fight skid and looks to play spoiler to Young who is the favorite in the fight. “Sugar” is also coming off a win over Rolando Dy last June.

One of these featherweights will continue their rise to the division’s elite. Which one will it be?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 2/6/2019.