Once a skeptic of women in high-level MMA, Dana White has changed his stance and is currently one of the biggest promoters of female athletics in the world. White has headlined monumental shows like UFC 200 with female talent and continues to put more eyeballs on women than any other sport. As you read this ask yourself a question, would the NBA, NFL, or MLB stop their broadcasts to promote female athletics? The answer is NO. The UFC and Dana White not only promote their female fighters rigorously but also inject their fights into massive UFC Pay-Per-View events like this weekend at UFC 289. The only other sports organization that promotes its female talent on the same level as the UFC is their now partner through Endeavor, the WWE.
In a now-famous TMZ street interview in 2011, White was asked when women would be in the UFC his response was “Never”. White may not have seen women’s MMA as profitable at the time, however, the UFC has headlined 15 different events with top female talent since his comments nearly twelve years ago. Leading into this weekend’s Pay-Per-View, Bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes has headlined six of these events.
UFC 289:
Amanda Nunes (22-5) will defend her Bantamweight world title this weekend against surging Mexican contender Irene Aldana (14-6). Nunes recently completed her rivalry with Juliana Pena in July of last year. Nunes was able to win her 135-pound belt back in the process. Aldana has won four of her last five fights only losing to former champion Holly Holm during that stretch. Aladana has impressive knockout victories on her record over Macy Chiasson, Yana Santos, and Ketlen Vieira.
Also on the UFC 290 fight card, former Lightweight world champion Charles Oliveria takes on Beniel Dariush in a title eliminator at 155 pounds. Mixed martial arts fans around the world are excited about this intriguing Co-Main event matchup. Oliveria is the UFC’s all-time leader in submission wins. Dariush is a former two-time world champion in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu and is riding an eight-fight-win streak into this contest.
On the prelims, Miranda Maverick (13-4) faces Canada’s Jasmine Jasudavicius (8-2). Maverick is a talented prospect in the UFC’s 125-pound female division. Maverick has looked impressive recently winning her last two fights over Shanna Young and Sabina Mazo. Jasudavicius will be four inches taller than Maverick and was victorious in four of her last five fights.
This will be a Massive fight card that represents the UFC’s return to Canada after nearly four years. Fight fans can find this Pay-Per-View event on ESPN+ with the prelims starting at 6 p.m. CST. The UFC 289 main card begins at 9 p.m. CST.
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