UFC Events in 2022
How It Started
UFC started in 1993 and popularized MMA (mixed martial arts) throughout the United States. Since then, it has become a multibillionaire industry.
It is said that the thrill which attracts so many fans comes from the various techniques that the athletes possess.
Fans across the globe anxiously watch the pair of fighters as they attack and defend using Brazilian jiu-jitsu and American wrestling moves, or karate kicks and boxing jabs.
For those not used to watching the combats, it may seem like any move is allowed in UFC. However, throughout the years the sport developed its own rules. There are restrictions as to what fighters are allowed to do and the goal is to maintain the integrity of athletes.
In UFC, it is not allowed to claw, pinch and twist the flesh. When the opponent is on the ground, they are not to be kicked or knee-stricken on the head. Also, it is forbidden to stomp your opponent on the ground. Lastly, athletes are not allowed to swear or use offensive language while in the cage.
UFC Betting
Betting plays a crucial role in the recent popularization of UFC. For each UFC Fight Night, bets are placed in the weeks and days prior to the event.
In the Las Vegas casinos, bets build expectations for the fights. There is a growing feeling of excitement as the events approach.
When placing a bet, you can choose to put your money on the favorite fighter–the one with the highest chance of winning, according to statistics and analysis. You may also choose to take your chance and bet on the underdog, which is the fighter with the lower odds of winning.
If you bet on the favorite fighter, you are at higher odds of winning, of course. However, payoffs will be lower. If you choose the underdog, there is a high probability you will lose. But in case you do win, you get a significantly higher profit.
Here is an overview so you can have an idea of the favorite vs. underdog scenario. There have been 325 main events/title fights in the past 11 years. 222 of these resulted in the favorite winning, 99 resulted in the underdog winning with the other fights resulting in a draw.
UFC Fight Nights In Vegas
In the wake of the covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, all sports events were being canceled worldwide. It was not different with UFC events.
It was not until late May 2020 that the Nevada state government allowed sports events to come back–as long as they followed strict sanitary rules. One of these guidelines was the absence of fans in the events.
Almost a year later, in April 2021, the UFC finally welcomed fans back to its events. UFC 261 was the first UFC event to host a sold-out crowd since the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic.
We talked to Brazilian UFC fighter Poliana Botelho, who is preparing for her next combat on June 4th at the UFC Apex Sports Complex in Las Vegas.
“I’m very excited for this fight. It’s great having fans at the event, and at the same time I don’t feel a lot of pressure because as I am away, there won’t be a lot of people with their expectations high about my performance.”
Upcoming UFC Fight Night 207 on June 4, 2022, includes Women’s Flyweight bout between Brazilian fighters Poliana Botelho and Karine Silva. The main card will be Male’s Heavyweight Volkov vs. Rozenstruik.
Before that, the UFC Apex Sports Complex is hosting other two events on May 14th and May 21st.
How UFC Athletes Prepare For A Fight
Botelho is a 33-year-old athlete who has been in the UFC since 2016. She is part of the Nova União Team in Rio de Janeiro.
“I’m going to Las Vegas one week prior to the event. During those seven days, I will be 100% focused on preparing to give my best.”
Poliana says that preparation for these events includes every aspect of her life. Even what she eats has to be controlled.
“I take part of my food with me from Brazil. I can’t risk eating something different than what I’m used to and getting sick, for example.”
These days prior to the event are of vital importance for athletes, as they must follow a strict diet before the weigh-in. For her category, the upper weight limit is 125 pounds or 56.7 kg.
Training Like a UFC Fighter
The Ultimate Fighting Championship, known as the UFC, is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
Beginners in fighting often look up to UFC fighters when aiming for success. The fitness industry was quick in hopping on the UFC trend.
Nowadays, the market offers UFC fighter training sessions for people who wish strength and fitness, without necessarily engaging in actual combats.
UFC fighters build stamina not by running long distances or cycling for many hours. They use high-intensity interval training (popularly known as HIIT) using circuits with different stations.
The Home of UFC In Vegas
UFC APEX Sports Complex opened in mid-2019 with built-in, advanced production capabilities. Its arena space can be tailored to accommodate a variety of live events.
This includes other sports competitions, concerts, stage shows, sports tournaments, and more.
The arena can also be converted into a sound stage for use as a rehearsal space for entertainment acts booked throughout Las Vegas.
Getting to The Sports Complex
The UFC APEX sits only 6.5 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Make sure to book chauffeured transportation to ensure you will arrive safely and on time.