Booker T Backs CM Punk Says, ‘Tony Khan Hasn’t Given All The Chances To Punk’
The world of professional wrestling is no stranger to unexpected twists and turns, and the recent departure of CM Punk from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has added another layer of intrigue to this ever-evolving industry. Wrestling legend Booker T has voiced his support for CM Punk while questioning the circumstances surrounding his exit, specifically Tony Khan’s handling of the situation. CM Punk’s Impactful Career: CM Punk, whose real name is Phillip Jack Brooks, is a name synonymous with wrestling excellence. His career has been marked by iconic moments and unforgettable matches, earning him a dedicated fan base known as the “Punkamaniacs.” His journey has taken him from the independent circuit to WWE, and most recently, to AEW. Punk’s return to professional wrestling in 2021 after a seven-year hiatus was met with tremendous fanfare and excitement. He joined AEW, promising to bring his unique brand of rebellion to the promotion. However, his AEW tenure came to an abrupt end when he was fired by Tony Khan on September 2, 2023, following a backstage altercation at All In 2023. Booker T’s Support for CM Punk: Booker T, a wrestling legend in his own right, has offered his perspective on the CM Punk situation. He clarified that any previous rumors of a personal feud between him and Punk are unfounded, stating that he never had any issues with the talented wrestler. Instead, Booker T chose to focus on the broader implications of Punk’s departure. In an industry where opportunities and paydays are paramount, Booker T pointed out that CM Punk had walked away from a substantial paycheck for the second time in his career. He referred to Punk’s departure from WWE in 2014 as the first instance when the wrestler left money on the table due to creative differences. A Missed Opportunity: Booker T’s comments suggest that, in his view, CM Punk’s departure from AEW represents a missed financial opportunity. He emphasized that success in wrestling is often determined by fan support and likability. While Punk’s wrestling skills are undeniable, public opinion can influence a wrestler’s longevity in the industry. Intriguing Doubts About a WWE Return: One of the most intriguing aspects of CM Punk’s departure from AEW is the possibility of a return to WWE. Booker T expressed skepticism about this prospect, citing Punk’s publicly critical comments about WWE over the years. He raised doubts about whether WWE would be willing to welcome Punk back into the fold, given his history of outspoken criticisms. CM Punk’s wrestling journey is marked by bold choices, passionate fan support, and, most recently, his departure from AEW. While fans eagerly await news of his next career move, Booker T’s support for Punk and his questions about Tony Khan’s handling of the situation add a new layer of complexity to the story. Wrestling enthusiasts around the world continue to follow the unfolding saga of CM Punk, a wrestler whose impact on the industry remains indelible.
Gunther Retains His Intercontinental Title Against Chad Gable, Becomes Longest IC Of All Time
In a captivating main event on Monday night’s episode of “Raw,” “The Ring General” GUNTHER successfully defended his Intercontinental Championship against Chad Gable, taking another step toward becoming the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion in WWE history. With this successful title defense, GUNTHER is now only days away from surpassing The Honky Tonk Man’s legendary 454-day record, currently standing at 452 days and counting. The tension was palpable as Gable, known for his superb technical wrestling skills, entered the ring for what would become the most significant singles match of his career. The emotional stakes were even higher as his wife and children watched the unfolding drama from the front row, lending a deeply personal touch to an already momentous encounter. The match itself was a grueling 15-minute showdown that had the audience on the edge of their seats. Chad Gable’s technical prowess was on full display as he executed Chaos Theory and an ankle lock, pushing GUNTHER to the limits. However, GUNTHER proved why he’s the reigning Intercontinental Champion, countering Gable’s offensive maneuvers with a devastating sleeper suplex. He sealed his victory with a ruthless powerbomb followed by a lariat, pinning Gable and retaining his title. This latest win adds to GUNTHER’s impressive title reign, which commenced on June 10, 2022, when he conquered Ricochet on an episode of “SmackDown.” As the indomitable leader of Imperium, GUNTHER has staved off challenges in 15 championship matches since claiming the title. Notable defenses include a hard-fought victory over Sheamus at the Clash at the Castle event and a memorable three-way tussle against Sheamus and Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 39. With each defense, GUNTHER has not only retained his championship but also further solidified his status as one of the most dominant Intercontinental Champions in WWE history. As GUNTHER moves closer to making history, the WWE Universe is left in anticipation of who could possibly dethrone “The Ring General.” But for now, GUNTHER has not only defeated Chad Gable, but he also stands on the verge of eclipsing one of WWE’s most enduring records. It’s clear that this is more than just a championship reign; it’s the making of a legacy. And as he steps into the annals of WWE history, GUNTHER has firmly established that his rule as Intercontinental Champion will not be easily forgotten.
WWE NXT Preview And Prediction: How, When And Where To Watch In USA, Europe And India – 05th September 2023
Wrestling fans across the globe are in for an electrifying night as WWE NXT has scheduled an action-packed card for the episode airing on September 5, 2023. Broadcasting live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, the show features four confirmed matches that promise drama, intensity, and suspense. These include a championship bout, a #1 contender’s match, a no-disqualification match, and the ongoing NXT Heritage Cup Invitational Tournament. For starters, the #1 Contender’s Match for the NXT North American Championship is creating quite the buzz. Dragon Lee and Mustafa Ali, both unsuccessful in their previous attempts to win the title from Dominik Mysterio, will face off to determine who gets the next shot. To spice things up, Dominik Mysterio will serve as the Special Guest Referee. With the champion himself overseeing the proceedings, the match is expected to be both entertaining and charged with tension. Predictions indicate Mustafa Ali as the likely victor, setting up a future clash between him and Dominik Mysterio. Not to be outdone, the NXT Women’s Championship is also on the line this week. After winning a Fatal 4-Way match last week, Kiana James is now the #1 Contender and will face off against the current champion, Tiffany. Adding more gravitas to the clash, WWE superstar Becky Lynch is expected to be at ringside, closely watching the outcome. This follows her backstage segment with Tiffany at the recent Payback event. Tiffany is predicted to retain her title, but fans can expect a post-match confrontation between her and Becky Lynch, likely setting up a future showdown at No Mercy. In the third featured match, Von Wagner seeks revenge against Bron Breakker following their previous encounter. Although Breakker emerged victorious in their last meeting, Wagner sent a strong message by power-bombing him through the commentary table. More recently, Breakker returned the favor by spearing Wagner during another match. These incidents have fueled a No Disqualification match between the two, where literally, anything goes. It’s believed that Bron Breakker will come out on top, possibly with Baron Corbin making his presence felt. Finally, in the NXT Global Heritage Cup Invitational, Ilja Dragunov and Oro Mensah will lock horns in the first round of the tournament. After their recent brawl, the stage is set for a highly charged contest. As a former NXT UK Champion, Dragunov appears to be the dominant force and is expected to come out victorious against Mensah. For those wondering where to catch all this exhilarating action, WWE NXT will air live in India on Wednesday morning at 5:30 AM local time on Sony Ten 1 and Sony Ten 1 HD channels. Premium users can stream the show live on the WWE Network, while additional online streaming options include Sony Liv, Jio TV, and Airtel TV. American fans can tune in to Peacock to watch the episode, while European and UK audiences can catch the event on TNT Sports and BT Sports, respectively.
Rhea Ripley Set To Defend Her Title Next Week On WWE Raw Against Raquel Rodriguez, Dominic Is Banned From Ringisde
Rhea Ripley is set to defend her WWE Women’s World Championship against Raquel Rodriguez on next week’s episode of WWE Raw, in a high-stakes rematch following their recent clash at WWE Payback. The news broke last night when Rodriguez secured her spot by defeating Chelsea Green. Adding a new layer to the upcoming showdown, it has been announced that Dominic Mysterio, who played a pivotal role in Ripley’s previous win, will be banned from ringside. Just this weekend at WWE Payback, Ripley and Rodriguez went toe-to-toe in a heart-pounding bout that lasted more than 15 minutes. With both competitors giving it their all, the match was thrown into chaos when Dominic Mysterio interfered. His distraction allowed Ripley the opportunity to execute her devastating finishing move and retain her championship. However, the controversial conclusion to the match left fans and critics questioning what might have happened without the unsolicited involvement. Rodriguez stated explicitly that she aims to even the playing field by keeping Mysterio away from the action next week. Rodriguez, predominantly known for her role in the tag division, has partnered with a slew of notable names including Liv Morgan, Shotzi, and Aliyah. While the tag division has been beleaguered with its share of challenges—from injuries to inconsistent booking—Rodriguez has remained a stalwart competitor. Her win over Chelsea Green was all the more impressive given that Green’s tag team partner, Piper Niven, the other half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, was medically unable to participate. This singles victory has thrust Rodriguez back into the spotlight, affording her a golden opportunity to dethrone Ripley. Ripley’s reign as the WWE Women’s World Champion began at WrestleMania 39, where she triumphed over Charlotte Flair in a match that has since become legendary. Over the last 157 days, she’s defended her title against formidable opponents including Zelina Vega and Natalya, whom she beat on two separate occasions. In an interesting turn of events, the championship title underwent rebranding during her reign, changing from the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship to its current designation. Lately, Ripley has been deeply entangled with the actions of her faction, The Judgment Day. Every member of this stable is currently a titleholder, reinforcing the group’s dominance in the WWE landscape. While Dominic Mysterio, Ripley’s consistent ally in retaining her title, has been sidelined for the upcoming match, there was no word on the status of Ripley’s other Judgment Day cohorts, Finn Balor and Damian Priest. Both men were recently crowned the new Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions and have a history of showing up when the stakes are high. As the WWE Universe gears up for next week’s epic clash on Raw, speculation runs rife. Will Rodriguez capitalize on the absence of Mysterio and overthrow Ripley, or will the reigning champion prove once again why she sits atop the women’s division? Moreover, will The Judgment Day continue their tradition of mutual support, or will Ripley have to go it alone? With so many elements in play, this is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing title matches in recent memory, and fans worldwide are waiting with bated breath to see who will emerge victorious.
3 Reasons Why Chad Gable Deserves Another Intercontinental Title Match At WWE Fastlane 2023
The Mighty Austrian Gunther has held the Intercontinental Championship for an impressive 435 days, dominating the main roster with his brutal fights. However, even an unstoppable force like Gunther faced defeat two weeks ago on WWE Raw when he went up against Chad Gable. Gable secured the victory through a count-out, but Gunther retained his Intercontinental Championship since count-outs don’t result in a new champion. This week on RAW, Gable had another opportunity to face Gunther, but this time he lost. Despite this, there are compelling reasons why Chad Gable should receive another shot at Gunther’s Intercontinental Championship and potentially become the next champion. Here are three reasons why Chad Gable deserves another chance at the Intercontinental Title at WWE Fastlane 2023: 3) He’s the Only One to Beat Gunther On a recent episode of Raw, Gunther defended his Intercontinental Championship against the top contender, Chad Gable. Gable’s victory via count-out marked Gunther’s first loss on the main roster, but the championship didn’t change hands due to the count-out rule. It’s worth noting that Gunther previously attempted to defeat Gable in a 5-minute beat-the-clock challenge before SummerSlam but failed. Gunther’s consecutive unsuccessful attempts against Gable may suggest a potential changing of the guard. 2) Exceptional Talent Chad Gable stands out as one of WWE’s highly talented wrestlers, possessing remarkable strength and ground wrestling skills. He’s one of the few Olympians in the company who has maintained a long-standing presence. Initially seen as the next Kurt Angle, Gable faced setbacks as a singles competitor due to creative changes and a lack of a consistent tag team partner. However, as WWE fans have recognized his potential, a singles push could see him capture his first singles championship by dethroning Gunther at Fastlane. 1) A Classic “David vs. Goliath” Tale The timeless story of David vs. Goliath has always captivated audiences, and WWE has a history of featuring such scenarios. The narrative of a smaller, talented underdog taking on a dominant giant resonates with fans. Gunther’s underestimation of Gable led to his first defeat, and if this theme continues, Gable and Gunther could bring this classic story to life. Watching a smaller competitor challenge a larger one, especially when the larger competitor is a top-tier WWE Superstar, is inherently compelling. Chad Gable embodies the quintessential underdog, as he is smaller than most WWE stars. His real-life accomplishments in combat make it believable that he can overcome the odds. A clash between Gunther and Chad Gable represents a modern-day David vs. Goliath match, elevated by their exceptional in-ring skills. Could these two clash at Fastlane? Only time will reveal the answer. What are your thoughts on this? Please share your comments below.
CM Punk Was Reportedly Open For WWE Return Earlier This Year, Rumoured For Wrestlemania Match With Kevin Owens
New reports have given us some insight into CM Punk’s possible return to WWE at the 2023 Royal Rumble. There was even talk of a WrestleMania 39 match against Kevin Owens if this comeback were to happen. CM Punk famously left WWE after the 2014 Royal Rumble match and received his termination notice on his wedding day, though Vince McMahon claimed it was purely coincidental. Comments made during an episode of the Art of Wrestling podcast led to a defamation lawsuit against CM Punk and his friend, podcast host Colt Cabana, by WWE physician Dr. Chris Amann. While CM Punk and Cabana won the lawsuit, a dispute over legal fees ultimately ended their long-standing friendship. AEW terminated CM Punk’s contract on September 2 due to a backstage incident involving Jack Perry and Tony Khan. This was the second major incident involving CM Punk in less than a year, with his backstage brawl against the company’s EVPs making headlines the previous year. According to a report from Fightful Select via TJR Wrestling, CM Punk expressed a desire to return to WWE in December and even considered participating in the Royal Rumble earlier this year. However, it’s important to note that these are just rumors, and there has been no confirmation from WWE regarding their interest. The report also mentioned speculation about Kevin Owens possibly eliminating CM Punk at the Royal Rumble, which could have led to an Owens-Punk match at WrestleMania 39, potentially as the main event for Night 1. Kevin Owens did end up headlining Night 1 of WrestleMania 39 with Sami Zayn, where they defeated The Usos to win the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships in a highly emotional match in Los Angeles. So, who holds the power in WWE when it comes to CM Punk’s potential return? Although CM Punk’s departure from WWE in 2014 was less than amicable, he reportedly attempted to reconcile when he was backstage at RAW in Chicago this past April, according to Fightful. With CM Punk likely free to sign with other promotions, a return to WWE is not out of the realm of possibility. However, a comeback for CM Punk at this stage of his career may not be straightforward. He is said to still have significant friction with several top WWE Superstars. Seth Rollins referred to CM Punk as a “cancer” earlier this year due to his actions following All Out 2022. The current WWE World Heavyweight Champion also advised CM Punk to stay away from WWE. After his segment with Jey Uso at WWE Payback 2023, Grayson Waller brought up CM Punk’s release from AEW on Twitter. Reports suggest that Vince McMahon is preoccupied with larger projects and may not personally engage with CM Punk. However, if Triple H expresses interest in working with him again, Nick Khan will decide whether the company should bring him back. Despite all the controversies surrounding him in the past two years, CM Punk remains a popular figure in the wrestling world. With the wrestling scene thriving, there could be some high-profile feuds awaiting him if he were to return to WWE. What are your thoughts on the idea of CM Punk making a WWE comeback after nine years? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section.
5 Active WWE Superstars Who Haven’t Won Any WWE Championship Yet
Not everyone can become a champion in WWE. Even though there are currently eight active championships on the main roster, there are often many more WWE Superstars competing for the same title. This, coupled with WWE’s tendency to repeatedly push the same group of performers, makes it difficult for many to achieve their first main roster title victory. For instance, Liv Morgan’s SmackDown Women’s Championship win at Money in the Bank was the first time since 2017 that the blue brand’s Women’s Championship changed hands without a member of the Four Horsewomen involved. This highlights WWE’s reliance on a select group of talent over the years. Please note that the following WWE Superstars have not won a championship since joining the main roster, including former NXT and NXT UK champions who are still waiting for their first taste of glory on Raw or SmackDown. Additionally, previous WWE 24/7 Championship holders are considered former main roster champions, regardless of WWE’s regard for that title. Gable Steveson and Logan Paul, both classified as main roster WWE Superstars, will not be included in this list. Steveson has yet to officially debut on the red brand, and Paul, despite wrestling in a couple of matches, is a part-time performer. While WWE may eventually spotlight these cross-platform stars for mainstream attention, we won’t consider them here. Many of these Superstars will undoubtedly make their mark in WWE history books in the future, especially with the new creative direction led by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque. For now, they are patiently waiting for their chance to shine. 5) Ciampa Ciampa is poised to become a main roster champion, possibly even a World Champion one day. His established relationship with Triple H will undoubtedly propel him on Monday Night Raw. If it wasn’t evident already from how he’s been presented since Triple H took the reins from Vince McMahon, it will become clear in the months to come. Ciampa recently earned a shot at the United States Championship by defeating AJ Styles, and WWE seems to be taking its time before giving him a major push. 4) Karrion Kross Similar to Ciampa, Karrion Kross is destined to become a main roster champion eventually. He was re-signed by WWE with his NXT persona intact and has seamlessly integrated into the main roster, unlike his initial stint. Kross, a two-time NXT Champion, may have had his critics, but he was a dominant main event star in NXT’s Triple H era. It remains to be seen whether he can capture a championship on the main roster, given recent misuses. 3) Shotzi Shotzi is another talent who hasn’t been utilized to her full potential on the main roster. She was beloved during her time in NXT, known for her fiery attitude, entertaining in-ring skills, and memorable tank entrance. However, her transition to the main roster saw her partner taken away and her tank retired. Triple H needs to revamp her presentation, and Shotzi has even hinted at the return of her tank, which could boost her popularity. 2) Mustafa Ali It’s baffling how WWE has not given Mustafa Ali a championship opportunity in his six years with the company. He never even had a chance to represent 205 Live with the Cruiserweight Championship. Mustafa has consistently performed well and even made RETRIBUTION somewhat tolerable, which was no small feat. Despite past opportunities at the WWE and United States Championships, he has not clinched a title. Now, he finds himself back in NXT with slim hopes of a main roster title. 1) LA Knight LA Knight is currently one of the most popular wrestlers in WWE, evident not only from fan support but also merchandise sales, which play a significant role in a superstar’s rise to the top. Yet, he has not won a single title in WWE. This highlights WWE’s missed opportunities to capitalize on a red-hot talent’s popularity. These are the top 5 active WWE Superstars who, despite their experience and immense popularity, have not won any WWE Championship yet.
Israel Adesanya Warns Khamzat Chimaev Against Underestimating Paulo Costa
Israel Adesanya recently weighed in on the highly anticipated Paulo Costa vs. Khamzat Chimaev matchup. While the Nigerian-born Kiwi recognized Chimaev’s grappling prowess, he urged ‘Borz’ not to underestimate Costa. ‘The Last Stylebender’ is undoubtedly among the most dominant champions the UFC has ever seen. Adesanya is a two-time middleweight champion and has built himself one of the most impressive resumes in divisional history. After beating Robert Whittaker in a title unification bout at UFC 243 in October 2019, Israel Adesanya held on to the 185-pound strap for over three years, losing it to Alex Pereira at UFC 281 in November 2022. Nevertheless, Adesanya reclaimed his title at UFC 287 with a stunning second-round KO over ‘Poatan’ in their rematch in April 2023. Over the course of his UFC career, Israel Adesanya has functionally cleared the middleweight division. He’s beaten world-class opponents like Robert Whittaker, Yoel Romero, Jared Cannonier and avenged his sole 185-pound loss to Alex Pereira. Now ‘The Last Stylebender’ is looking for a new challenge and has his eyes on Khamzat Chimaev. ‘Borz’ is set to face Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 294 on October 21. Considering Adesanya’s long-running rivalry with ‘Borrachinha,’ it’s unsurprising that the middleweight king is hoping to see Chimaev emerge victorious. Adesanya previously beat Costa at UFC 253 in September 2020. In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Israel Adesanya shared some pearls of wisdom with Khamzat Chimaev. He urged the Chechen-born Swede not to look past the Brazilian and claimed he’s betting on Chimaev to win. He said: “I might be favoring Khamzat a little bit more because I like new blood… I just made Paulo look easy, but trust me, he’s a hard fight.” Meanwhile, Israel Adesanya is booked to fight Sean Strickland at UFC 293 this weekend in Sydney. If ‘Borz’ can get past Paulo Costa, an immediate middleweight title shot against Adesanya is undoubtedly on the cards for Khamzat Chimaev.
UFC 294: MMA Stars Weigh In On Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa
UFC 294 is undoubtedly one of the 2023’s most eagerly awaited pay-per-view events. Set to go down on October 21 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UFC 294 will be headlined by an exciting lightweight title rematch between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. While the main event features an undeniably exciting matchup, the co-main event also promises fireworks. Khamzat Chimaev will make his long-awaited middleweight debut against Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 294. Considering their long-brewing rivalry, this classic grappler vs. striker matchup is sure to enthrall fans. Chimaev last fought Kevin Holland at UFC 279 in September 2022 and blitzed ‘Trailblazer’ via first-round submission. ‘Borz’ is currently undefeated in his professional career with a perfect 12-0 record. Meanwhile, Costa is coming off a unanimous decision win against Luke Rockhold at UFC 278 in August 2022. Considering both contenders are returning from extended layoffs, many are unsure how ring rust will affect their performances. In a recent video uploaded by MMA journalist Helen Yee, several UFC stars weighed in on the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa middleweight fight. Here’s how each one predicted the outcome of the contest: No.3-ranked middleweight contender Jared Cannonier was uncertain about the final outcome and said: “That’s a good fight… If I was a bad man, I’d lean more towards Costa. He’s a big guy, we haven’t seen Khamzat compete against a guy of that size, stature, and skill level as well. But, as in all other combat situations, Khamzat’s got the skills to pay the bills. It’s going to be a fun fight.” No.3-ranked welterweight contender Belal Muhammad claimed that wrestling would be a pivotal factor and predicted the fight to go the distance. He said: “I think it comes down to how much the wrestling will play a factor. Khamzat, when he was taking guys down at 170 [pounds], he was going double-legged and picking them up. You’re not gonna be able to pick up Costa like a little guy… I think it’ll mostly be on the feet. I think both of these guys are gonna bang it out, kinda like the Gilbert Burns fight, for three rounds.” No.13-ranked welterweight contender Kevin Holland claimed Paulo Costa would be Khamzat Chimaev’s toughest test to date but predicted a win for the Brazilian. He said: “I think a lot of people forget how good Paulo Costa is. So I think that’s probably the toughest fight that Chimaev’s gonna have to date. Especially with the size… Chimaev’s a pretty big guy… I think they’ll match up and clash up pretty well, but we all know I don’t like Chimaev, so I’m gonna put my money on Paulo Costa.” No.5-ranked middleweight contender Sean Strickland is expecting a war between the two mercurial fighters but couldn’t pick a clear winner. He said: “You have two fighters who haven’t really been active. I don’t know, it’s gonna be a great fight, it’s gonna be a war. I’m excited for it. I like Costa.”
UFC 293: Jared Cannonier To Weigh In As Backup For Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland
According to reports, one-time middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier has been roped in to serve as backup for the UFC 293 headliner. The highly anticipated pay-per-view event will take place on September 10 in Sydney, Australia. Israel Adesanya is set to defend his middleweight title for the sixth time at UFC 293 against Sean Strickland. While Adesanya was initially slated to face Dricus Du Plessis, ‘Stillknocks’ was forced to pull out due to injury. Soon after, the promotion called ‘Tarzan’ and offered him the title shot. Given the bad blood between Adesanya and Strickland, it didn’t take long to book the grudge match. In a recent report by MMA Junkie, it was revealed that Jared Cannonier has flown to Sydney in case either headliner fails to show up. The 39-year-old fought Israel Adesanya for the title in July 2022 but was ultimately outpointed in the fight. ‘The Killa Gorilla’ is on a two-fight win streak, with consecutive wins over Sean Strickland and Marvin Vettori. Cannonier beat ‘Tarzan’ via split decision and earned a unanimous decision against ‘The Italian Dream.’ In the aftermath of his fight against Vettori, Cannonier expressed his eagerness to serve as a backup at UFC 293. It seems his wish has been granted. Considering Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland have never missed weight in their careers, it’s unlikely that Jared Cannonier would fight this weekend. However, ‘The Killa Gorilla’ would step on the scales as a 185-pound contender to be the headliner insurance. The UFC 293 pay-per-view event will be headlined by an Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland middleweight title fight. The co-main event will feature a heavyweight contest between Tai Tuivasa and Alexander Volkov. Elsewhere on the card, Manel Kape will face Felipe Dos Santos in a flyweight bout. Justin Tafa and Austen Lane will also go head-to-head in a heavyweight fight on the main card.