Like every other event before it, UFC Vegas 32 has several worthwhile narratives that will make up the major plotlines in this latest episode of Ultimate Fighting Championship cage violence. Let’s take a look at those key story threads, and why they are worth your investment on July 24.
What version of TJ Dillashaw shows up at UFC Vegas 32?
It’s the million-dollar question heading into Saturday night. Is TJ Dillashaw a legitimate two-time UFC bantamweight champion like we thought he was or was his success based around performance enhancers like his rival Cody Garbrant has suggested in the past? I prefer to think he’s legitimately one of the best 135-pound fighters in UFC history, made a poor choice in trying to win the flyweight title, and needed chemical enhancements to successfully complete the weight cut.
However, if you believe he made a one-time dopey choice, or feel he’s a long-time cheat that got caught, on Saturday he still must deal with the double whammy of age and competing against elite talent. In the larger weight classes, competitors can remain at the top during the back half of their 30s. But that get’s a lot harder in the lower weights. Dillashaw is 35, coming off a two-year suspension and surgeries on both shoulders. That is more than enough reason to not be the man he once was before the PED conversation.
Then there’s the fact Dillashaw will be facing a prime and top-level foe in the very dangerous Cory Sandhagen. Dillashaw may be as skilled as ever, and legit, but age and competition could halt his hopes of being a three-time champion. I’m fascinated to find out the result either way.
Can Maycee Barber recapture her “it” gal momentum?
At the end of 2019, Maycee Barber was the next big thing in the women’s flyweight division. She was a finishing machine who won three straight in the Octagon–after winning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series–and had all the makings of being an undefeated fighter closing in on a title shot in 2020. Then the next two years were a nightmare that included back-to-back losses and an ACL tear. In her second fight of 2021, the 23-year-old sits on the edge of the rankings at 14 and has to try and regain her mojo against a fighter surging like she once was.
Invicta Fighting Championship veteran Miranda Maverick has taken Barber’s spot as the next big thing in the division after winning five straight, and her first two in the UFC. The 24-year-old can survive a loss and keep chugging along, but Barber needs a win to avoid three straight defeats, be knocked out of the rankings, and lose all the momentum from her first eight wins. It’s a big moment in her young career as she tries to prove she is still “The Future” of the UFC women’s flyweight division.
Is Dr. Pepper better than Reese’s Buttercups?
Adrian Yanez versus Randy Costa is one of the most anticipated fights at UFC Vegas 32 amongst diehard fans. They are two of the brightest young competitors at bantamweight, and they have built up interest in the fight not just only on their talent, but also on a fun rivalry over sweet treats and beverages. Dr. Pepper for Yanez and Reese for Costa, respectively. However, aside from the fun tweets over which tastes better, this is a booking that could showcase two future mainstays in the division.
Both are action fighters with major upside, but unfortunately, one man has to lose. The winner edges closer to the rankings conversation in a stacked division, and the loser is handed a difficult development setback. Considering their abilities and both only being 27, this may not be the last time this duo faces off in the UFC.
Is Kyler Phillips the bantamweight Anthony Pettis?
If you haven’t seen Kyler Phillips compete yet, you’re missing out. The 26-year-old’s upside is serious. The fact that he’s earned a ranking at bantamweight–arguably the UFC’s most talent-rich division–in just three Octagon appearances says it all. He is a mix of speed, power, and unpredictability that blends into a flowing style. Making his nickname of “Matrix” seem perfect.
What adds to his superstar potential is the guy is a unique individual, who channels Keanu Reeves coolness while having the same heartthrob appeal of a younger version of the John Wick star. His climb up the division feels akin to Anthony Pettis‘ rise to superstardom in World Extreme Cagefighting and then the UFC. Complete with a flashy style and a “ladies want to be with him, and men wish they could be him” appeal. Phillips may not end up on a Wheaties box, like Pettis, but he seems destined for serious sponsorship dollars soon if he can get a fifth straight win on Saturday night, against new bantamweight and former ranked flyweight Raulian Paiva.
