UFC Fight Night 242: Burns vs. Brady, Andrade's Record-Breaking Bout, & Saint Preux's Quest for Jon Jones

The UFC kicks off its September schedule on Saturday with UFC Fight Night 242, which takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas with a full lineup set to stream on ESPN+.

A significant welterweight fight headlines the card. Former title challenger Gilbert Burns (22-7 MMA, 15-7 UFC) looks to avoid the longest losing skid of his career when he takes on the rising Sean Brady (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC), who looks to prove he’s worthy of the next level in the division.

Welterweight Showdown: Burns vs. Brady

Burns, aiming to bounce back from recent setbacks, faces a formidable opponent in Brady, who seeks to establish himself as a contender. Burns' recent record, featuring three wins and four losses in his past seven fights, underscores the challenge he faces. He's also 7-4 since returning to the welterweight division in August 2019.

Meanwhile, Brady, a rising star with a record of 16-1, has an opportunity to make a significant statement in this fight. His three UFC stoppage victories, all achieved by submission, demonstrate his versatility and prowess in the octagon. Should he emerge victorious, Brady's status in the welterweight division will undoubtedly be elevated.

Andrade's Record-Breaking Performance

Jessica Andrade (26-12 MMA, 17-10 UFC), known for her aggressive fighting style, enters the octagon with a chance to further solidify her legacy as one of the most accomplished female fighters in UFC history. This fight marks her 28th UFC bout, a testament to her longevity and dedication.

Andrade holds numerous records, including being the only female fighter to win in three different weight classes (bantamweight, flyweight, and strawweight). She's also the all-time leader in UFC victories among women, with 17 wins, and has notched 10 wins in the strawweight division, tied for second-most in that weight class.

Saint Preux's Pursuit of Jon Jones' Legacy

Ovince Saint Preux (27-17 MMA, 15-12 UFC), a veteran of the light heavyweight division, competes in his 26th UFC bout at this weight class, the most appearances by any fighter in the division's history. His pursuit of Jon Jones' legacy is evident in his quest to surpass the former champion's record of 20 victories in the light heavyweight division.

Saint Preux's impressive record includes 15 victories at light heavyweight, tying him with Ryan Bader for third-most in the division. He has also secured 11 stoppage victories, placing him second behind Glover Teixeira's 13. Notably, Saint Preux has achieved four Von Flue choke submissions, the most in UFC/WEC/PRIDE/Strikeforce combined organizational history. This record-breaking achievement solidifies his position as a skilled grappler and submission specialist.

More Than Just the Main Event

The UFC Fight Night 242 card features a compelling lineup of fights with potential implications for fighters' rankings and careers. Other notable matchups include:

Steve Garcia (16-5 MMA, 5-2 UFC), known for his knockout power, aims to continue his dominant streak in the UFC.
Matt Schnell (16-8 MMA, 6-6 UFC), a submission specialist, looks to add another victory to his record.
Andre Petroski (11-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC), a skilled grappler, faces a challenging opponent in Dylan Budka (7-3-0), a rising contender.

UFC Fight Night 242 promises to deliver an exciting night of mixed martial arts, with several fighters looking to make their mark on the sport. The event is sure to be filled with action and intrigue, making it a must-watch for fans of MMA.

A Night of Turning Points

The matches at UFC Fight Night 242 represent critical turning points for many fighters, with implications that could reshape rankings and careers. Performances here will set the tone for future opportunities, especially for veterans like Burns and Saint Preux.

In Conclusion

UFC Fight Night 242 offers a compelling mix of high-stakes matchups and opportunities for fighters to solidify their positions in the UFC hierarchy. From Burns and Brady's welterweight showdown to Andrade's record-breaking potential and Saint Preux's pursuit of Jon Jones' legacy, the event promises to deliver exciting action and potential for dramatic upsets. Stay tuned to MMA Junkie for comprehensive coverage of UFC Fight Night 242.