3 bold predictions for UFC 205
The stage is set for the UFC to make history Saturday when the Octagon lands in Madison Square Garden for UFC 205.
With three title fights on the docket and a bevy of marquee names going to war on what could be the most watched UFC event ever, there are bound to be numerous moments that will have the MMA sphere buzzing, especially with Conor McGregor closing out the show.
Here are three ways the promotion could be shaken up this weekend:
3 title fights, 3 title changes
For the first time in the UFC's 23-year history, three world titles will be defended on the same card. Holding onto a championship is difficult no matter the opponent, and UFC 205's challengers all have an excellent chance of adding a belt to their trophy cases.
At the top of the discussion is McGregor. The reigning featherweight champion looks to become the first UFC fighter to simultaneously hold two world titles when he challenges lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez in the main event. "The Notorious" has quieted doubters at every turn, and toppling Alvarez would be another feather in his extravagantly decorated cap.
Related: What will McGregor's big UFC 205 announcement be?
Tyron Woodley's welterweight reign will also be in serious jeopardy when he takes on the mystifying Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson. In his past seven fights, Thompson has embarrassed the world's best fighters at 170 pounds. The 33-year-old striking savant recently smoked former champion Johny Hendricks inside of a round, and followed that up by making top contender Rory MacDonald look completely lost in the cage.
As impressive as Woodley was in knocking Robbie Lawler out in July, his first title defense could be his last.
Meanwhile, strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk aims to continue her run as one of MMA's most dominant fighters when she takes on fellow Polish star Karolina Kowalkiewicz. Jedrzejczyk has been nearly untouchable in 12 professional bouts, but Kowalkiewicz might hold the key to upsetting her.
The methodical Kowalkiewicz has shown she knows how to dictate the pace of her fights and she's arguably the best striker Jedrzejczyk has faced. "Joanna Champion" submitted Kowalkiewicz when the two fought in an amateur bout in 2012, and you can bet Kowalkiewicz would love to avenge that loss in grand fashion.
Three new champions on the same night? Now that's a turn of events worthy of "The World's Most Famous Arena."
Yoel Romero - No. 1 contender
Romero had all the makings of a future MMA champion when he debuted seven years ago, but it hasn't been easy.
The 39-year-old Cuban fought for the first time in December 2009 following an illustrious international wrestling career that included a Olympic silver medal in Sydney. When he eventually made his way to the UFC in 2013, Romero became known more for his devastating punching power than his grappling acumen.
A January USADA violation threatened to derail Romero's career, but he successfully appealed his case to avoid a two-year suspension and now faces Chris Weidman in a fight that should determine the next challenger for Michael Bisping's UFC middleweight championship.
Romero hasn't always endeared himself to fans, with some notable wins being marred by controversy. In a win over Tim Kennedy, Romero was criticized for spending too much time on the stool between rounds. He found himself in hot water again after beating Lyoto Machida when his poor English skills resulted in him making post-fight statements that were perceived as homophobic.
Romero has all the tools to top Weidman and bring himself one step closer to completing what has been a rocky journey to UFC supremacy.
The UFC's New York takeover has begun
In April, New York's gates were opened to the UFC when a bill was passed to legalize MMA in the state. Not only did the UFC gain access to the most populous city in the United States, it also may have found a market even stronger than its home base of Las Vegas.
With the UFC's new owners wanting to quickly recoup their $4-billion investment, look for the promotion to return to MSG next year and - if the stars align for another megacard - possibly even pack over 50,000 bloodthirsty fans into Yankee Stadium.
With president Dana White already boasting that UFC 205 has shattered the Madison Square Garden gate record, don't be surprised if New York supplants Nevada as the UFC's favorite destination.