Women Bantamweight Championship (135)
[#1/#1DD/#1P4P] Miesha Tate (18-5-0, -257) vs. [#6] Amanda Nunes (12-4-0, +206)
Miesha Tate is the All-Time #7 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Miesha Tate (3-0-0)
2016-03-05: W vs. [#3BW/#5DD/#7P4P] Holly Holm (10-1-0) via Technical Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:30 of round 5
2015-07-25: W vs. [#13BW] Jessica Eye (11-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2015-01-31: W vs. [#9BW] Sara McMann (9-3-0) via MD (29-27, 29-28, 28-28)

Last 3 Fights: Amanda Nunes (3-0-0)
2016-03-05: W vs. [#16BW] Valentina Shevchenko (12-2-0) via UD (29-27, 29-28, 29-27)
2015-08-08: W vs. [#9BW] Sara McMann (9-3-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:53 of round 1
2015-03-21: W vs. [NA] Shayna Baszler (15-10-0) via TKO (Leg Kick) in 1:56 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Miesha Tate 126, Amanda Nunes 126
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Heavyweight (265)
[#6] Mark Hunt (12-10-1, -171) vs. [*] Brock Lesnar (5-3-0, +144)
Mark Hunt is the All-Time #21 ranked Heavyweight fighter.
Brock Lesnar is the All-Time #19 ranked Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Mark Hunt (2-1-0)
2016-03-19: W vs. [#10HW+] Frank Mir (18-11-0) via KO (Punch) in 3:01 of round 1
2015-11-14: W vs. [#19HW+] Antonio Silva (19-9-1) via TKO (Punches) in 3:41 of round 1
2015-05-10: L vs. [#1HW+/#6DD/#6P4P] Stipe Miocic (16-2-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:47 of round 5

Last 3 Fights: Brock Lesnar (1-2-0)
2011-12-30: L vs. [#3HW+] Alistair Overeem (41-14-0) via TKO (Kick to the Body and Punches) in 2:26 of round 1
2010-10-23: L vs. [#4HW+] Cain Velasquez (13-2-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:12 of round 1
2010-07-03: W vs. [*] Shane Carwin (12-2-0) via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in 2:19 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Mark Hunt 112, Brock Lesnar 1653
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Light Heavyweight (205)
[#2/#5P4P] Daniel Cormier (17-1-0, -514) vs. [#16MW] Anderson Silva (33-7-0, +362)
Daniel Cormier is the All-Time #14 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.
Anderson Silva is the All-Time #2 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Daniel Cormier (2-1-0)
2015-10-03: W vs. [#7LHW] Alexander Gustafsson (16-4-0) via SD (47-48, 48-47, 49-46)
2015-05-23: W vs. [#3LHW] Anthony Johnson (21-5-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:39 of round 3
2015-01-03: L vs. [#1LHW/#4DD/#1P4P] Jon Jones (22-1-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

Last 3 Fights: Anderson Silva (0-2-0, 1 NC)
2016-02-27: L vs. [#1MW/#3DD/#7P4P] Michael Bisping (29-7-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
2015-01-31: NC vs. [*] Nick Diaz (26-9-0)
2013-12-28: L vs. [#2MW/#5DD/#10P4P] Chris Weidman (13-1-0) via TKO (Leg Injury) in 1:16 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Daniel Cormier 280, Anderson Silva 133
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Women Strawweight (115)
[#1/#4DD/#3P4P] Joanna Jedrzejczyk (13-0-0, -129) vs. [#2/#7DD/#6P4P] Claudia Gadelha (13-1-0, +107)
Joanna Jedrzejczyk is the All-Time #20 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Joanna Jedrzejczyk (3-0-0)
2015-11-14: W vs. [#12FLY] Valerie Letourneau (8-5-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 50-45)
2015-06-20: W vs. [#26SW] Jessica Penne (12-4-0) via TKO (Punches and Knee) in 4:22 of round 3
2015-03-14: W vs. [#6SW] Carla Esparza (11-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:17 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Claudia Gadelha (2-1-0)
2015-08-01: W vs. [#8SW] Jessica Aguilar (19-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2014-12-13: L vs. [#1SW/#4DD/#3P4P] Joanna Jedrzejczyk (13-0-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2014-07-16: W vs. [NA] Tina Lahdemaki (5-1-0) via UD (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Joanna Jedrzejczyk 237, Claudia Gadelha 342
Previous Match-up Record: Joanna Jedrzejczyk leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Light Heavyweight (205)
[#50MW] Andrew Sanchez (6-2-0, -172) vs. [#79MW] Khalil Rountree (9-0-0, +146)

Last 3 Fights: Andrew Sanchez (2-1-0)
2015-08-07: W vs. [#145MW] John Poppie (7-3-0) via TKO (Spinning Backfist and Punches) in 1:53 of round 3
2015-06-05: W vs. [#180MW] Clinton Williams (7-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:17 of round 2
2014-06-06: L vs. [#75MW] Kevin Casey (9-4-1) via KO (Punches) in 2:30 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Khalil Rountree (3-0-0)
2015-12-11: W vs. [#522MW] Justin Polendey (7-3-0) via KO (Punch) in 1:42 of round 1
2015-04-10: W vs. [#223LHW] Cameron Olson (4-2-0) via UD ()
2014-12-05: W vs. [#687MW] Blake Troop (4-4-0) via KO (Punch) in 0:39 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Andrew Sanchez 336, Khalil Rountree 210
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Women Strawweight (115)
[#22] Tatiana Suarez (5-0-0, -394) vs. [#41] Amanda Bobby Cooper (9-4-0, +313)

Last 3 Fights: Tatiana Suarez (3-0-0)
2015-08-22: W vs. [NA] Arline Coban (0-1-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:48 of round 2
2015-04-11: W vs. [NA] Carolina Alvarez (0-1-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 2:01 of round 1
2014-07-19: W vs. [NA] Tyra Parker (4-5-0) via UD ()

Last 3 Fights: Amanda Bobby Cooper (2-1-0)
2015-09-12: L vs. [#65BW] Aspen Ladd (3-0-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 4:42 of round 2
2014-02-15: W vs. [NA] Brittany Dugas (0-2-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 4:59 of round 2
2013-02-17: W vs. [NA] Lauren Foley (0-1-0) via TKO (Knee and Punches) in 1:03 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Tatiana Suarez 321, Amanda Bobby Cooper 300
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Lightweight Championship (155)
[#1/#2DD/#3P4P] Rafael dos Anjos (25-7-0, -375) vs. [#3] Eddie Alvarez (27-4-0, +295)
Rafael dos Anjos is the All-Time #5 ranked Lightweight fighter.
Eddie Alvarez is the All-Time #9 ranked Lightweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Rafael dos Anjos (3-0-0)
2015-12-19: W vs. [#4WW] Donald Cerrone (30-7-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:06 of round 1
2015-03-14: W vs. [#7LW] Anthony Pettis (18-5-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
2014-12-13: W vs. [#2LW] Nate Diaz (19-10-0) via UD (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Eddie Alvarez (2-1-0)
2016-01-17: W vs. [#7LW] Anthony Pettis (18-5-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2015-06-13: W vs. [#10LW] Gilbert Melendez (22-5-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2014-09-27: L vs. [#4WW] Donald Cerrone (30-7-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Rafael dos Anjos 201, Eddie Alvarez 172
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Rafael dos Anjos leads 3-1
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Heavyweight (265)
[#14] Roy Nelson (21-12-0, -136) vs. [#16] Derrick Lewis (15-4-0, +112)

Last 3 Fights: Roy Nelson (1-2-0)
2016-02-06: W vs. [#25HW+] Jared Rosholt (14-3-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2015-09-26: L vs. [#13HW+] Josh Barnett (34-8-0) via UD (50-45, 48-47, 48-47)
2015-03-14: L vs. [#3HW+] Alistair Overeem (41-14-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Derrick Lewis (3-0-0)
2016-04-10: W vs. [#32HW+] Gabriel Gonzaga (17-11-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:48 of round 1
2016-02-06: W vs. [#39HW+] Damian Grabowski (20-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:17 of round 1
2015-10-03: W vs. [#50HW+] Viktor Pesta (10-2-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:15 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Roy Nelson 152, Derrick Lewis 88
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Roy Nelson leads 2-1
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Welterweight (170)
[#53] Belal Muhammad (9-0-0, +101) vs. [#79] Alan Jouban (13-4-0, -124)

Last 3 Fights: Belal Muhammad (3-0-0)
2016-04-30: W vs. [#83WW] Steve Carl (22-5-0) via in of round 4
2015-09-19: W vs. [#387WW] Zane Kamaka (9-2-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2015-03-20: W vs. [#275WW] Keith Johnson (11-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Alan Jouban (2-1-0)
2016-03-19: W vs. [#427WW] Brendan OReilly (6-2-0) via TKO (Elbows and Punches) in 2:15 of round 1
2015-10-03: L vs. [#29WW] Albert Tumenov (17-3-0) via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) in 2:55 of round 1
2015-07-15: W vs. [#213WW] Matt Dwyer (8-4-0) via UD (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Belal Muhammad 68, Alan Jouban 110
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Welterweight (170)
[#2] Stephen Thompson (12-1-0, -116) vs. [#6] Rory MacDonald (18-3-0, -108)
Rory MacDonald is the All-Time #13 ranked Welterweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Stephen Thompson (3-0-0)
2016-02-06: W vs. [#5WW] Johny Hendricks (17-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:31 of round 1
2015-07-12: W vs. [#31WW] Jake Ellenberger (30-11-0) via KO (Spinning Hook Kick) in 4:29 of round 1
2014-09-27: W vs. [#21WW] Patrick Cote (23-9-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Rory MacDonald (2-1-0)
2015-07-11: L vs. [#1WW/#8DD/#5P4P] Robbie Lawler (27-10-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:00 of round 5
2014-10-04: W vs. [#24WW] Tarec Saffiedine (16-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:28 of round 3
2014-06-14: W vs. [*] Tyron Woodley (15-3-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Stephen Thompson 133, Rory MacDonald 343
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Welterweight (170)
[#11] Donald Cerrone (29-7-0, -170) vs. [#21] Patrick Cote (23-9-0, +143)

Last 3 Fights: Donald Cerrone (2-1-0)
2016-02-21: W vs. [#67WW] Alex Oliveira (13-4-1) via Submission (Triangle Choke) in 2:33 of round 1
2015-12-19: L vs. [#1LW/#2DD/#3P4P] Rafael dos Anjos (25-7-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:06 of round 1
2015-05-23: W vs. [#69LW] John Makdessi (13-5-0) via TKO (Head Kick) in 4:44 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Patrick Cote (3-0-0)
2016-01-17: W vs. [#49WW] Ben Saunders (19-7-2) via TKO (Punches) in 1:14 of round 2
2015-08-23: W vs. [#51LW] Joshua Burkman (28-13-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:26 of round 3
2015-04-25: W vs. [#122MW] Joe Riggs (41-17-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Donald Cerrone 118, Patrick Cote 153
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Light Heavyweight (205)
[#41] Sean OConnell (17-7-0) vs. [#76] Steve Bosse (11-2-0)

Last 3 Fights: Sean OConnell (2-1-0)
2016-01-17: L vs. [#18LHW] Ilir Latifi (12-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:30 of round 1
2015-05-10: W vs. [*] Anthony Perosh (15-10-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:56 of round 1
2015-01-18: W vs. [#132HW+] Matt Van Buren (7-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:11 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Steve Bosse (2-1-0)
2016-03-19: W vs. [*] James Te Huna (16-9-0) via KO (Punch) in 0:52 of round 1
2015-06-27: L vs. [#17MW] Thiago Santos (13-3-0) via KO (Head Kick) in 0:29 of round 1
2013-05-11: W vs. [*] Caleb Grummet (5-7-0) via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) in 5:00 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Sean OConnell 153, Steve Bosse 91
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Middleweight (185)
[#1/#1DD/#4P4P] Luke Rockhold (15-2-0, -993) vs. [#8] Michael Bisping (28-7-0, +656)
Luke Rockhold is the All-Time #3 ranked Middleweight fighter.
Michael Bisping is the All-Time #19 ranked Middleweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Luke Rockhold (3-0-0)
2015-12-12: W vs. [#2MW/#5DD/#10P4P] Chris Weidman (13-1-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:12 of round 4
2015-04-18: W vs. [#7MW] Lyoto Machida (22-7-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:31 of round 2
2014-11-07: W vs. [#8MW] Michael Bisping (28-7-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 0:57 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Michael Bisping (3-0-0)
2016-02-27: W vs. [#16MW] Anderson Silva (33-7-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
2015-07-18: W vs. [#15MW] Thales Leites (25-6-0) via SD (49-46, 48-47, 47-48)
2015-04-25: W vs. [#26MW] C.B. Dollaway (15-8-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Luke Rockhold 175, Michael Bisping 98
Previous Match-up Record: Luke Rockhold leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: Luke Rockhold leads 1-0
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Bantamweight Championship (135)
[#1/#8P4P] Dominick Cruz (21-1-0, -616) vs. [#3] Urijah Faber (33-8-0, +437)
Dominick Cruz is the All-Time #1 ranked Bantamweight fighter.
Urijah Faber is the All-Time #5 ranked Bantamweight and #10 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Dominick Cruz (3-0-0)
2016-01-17: W vs. [#2BW/#9P4P] T.J. Dillashaw (12-3-0) via SD (46-49, 48-47, 49-46)
2014-09-27: W vs. [#22BW] Takeya Mizugaki (21-9-2) via KO (Punches) in 1:01 of round 1
2011-10-01: W vs. [#1FLY/#3DD/#2P4P] Demetrious Johnson (24-2-1) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)

Last 3 Fights: Urijah Faber (2-1-0)
2015-12-12: W vs. [#16BW] Frankie Saenz (11-3-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
2015-05-16: L vs. [#1FW/#7DD] Frankie Edgar (20-4-1) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
2014-12-06: W vs. [#40BW] Francisco Rivera (11-6-0) via Submission (Bulldog Choke) in 1:34 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Dominick Cruz 139, Urijah Faber 175
Previous Match-up Record: Even: 1-1-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 4 win(s) against common opposition.
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Featherweight (145)
[#4] Max Holloway (15-3-0) vs. [#9] Ricardo Lamas (16-4-0)
Max Holloway is the All-Time #24 ranked Featherweight fighter.
Ricardo Lamas is the All-Time #12 ranked Featherweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Max Holloway (3-0-0)
2015-12-12: W vs. [#10FW] Jeremy Stephens (25-12-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
2015-08-23: W vs. [#8FW] Charles Oliveira (21-5-0) via TKO (Esophagus Injury) in 1:39 of round 1
2015-04-18: W vs. [#13FW] Cub Swanson (22-7-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 3:58 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Ricardo Lamas (2-1-0)
2015-11-21: W vs. [#27LW] Diego Sanchez (26-8-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2015-04-04: L vs. [#7FW] Chad Mendes (17-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:45 of round 1
2014-11-15: W vs. [#18FW] Dennis Bermudez (15-5-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 3:18 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Max Holloway 175, Ricardo Lamas 196
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Ricardo Lamas leads 2-1
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Heavyweight (265)
[#4] Alistair Overeem (40-14-0, -223) vs. [#7] Andrei Arlovski (25-11-0, +182)
Alistair Overeem is the All-Time #15 ranked Heavyweight fighter.
Andrei Arlovski is the All-Time #10 ranked Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Alistair Overeem (3-0-0)
2015-12-19: W vs. [#5HW+] Junior dos Santos (18-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:43 of round 2
2015-03-14: W vs. [#13HW+] Roy Nelson (21-12-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2014-12-13: W vs. [#32HW+] Stefan Struve (26-8-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:13 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Andrei Arlovski (2-1-0)
2016-01-02: L vs. [#3HW+] Stipe Miocic (14-2-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:54 of round 1
2015-09-05: W vs. [#10HW+] Frank Mir (18-11-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
2015-05-23: W vs. [#8HW+] Travis Browne (18-3-1) via TKO (Punches) in 4:41 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Alistair Overeem 141, Andrei Arlovski 127
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Andrei Arlovski leads 9-8
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Heavyweight (265)
[#11] Antonio Silva (19-8-1, +163) vs. [#32] Stefan Struve (26-8-0, -195)
Antonio Silva is the All-Time #20 ranked Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Antonio Silva (1-2-0)
2015-11-14: L vs. [#6HW+] Mark Hunt (12-10-1) via TKO (Punches) in 3:41 of round 1
2015-08-01: W vs. [*] Soa Palelei (22-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:41 of round 2
2015-02-22: L vs. [#10HW+] Frank Mir (18-11-0) via KO (Elbows) in 1:40 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Stefan Struve (1-2-0)
2015-11-14: L vs. [#23HW+] Jared Rosholt (14-3-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2015-08-01: W vs. [*] Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (34-10-1) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2014-12-13: L vs. [#4HW+] Alistair Overeem (40-14-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:13 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Antonio Silva 176, Stefan Struve 176
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Antonio Silva leads 2-0
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Welterweight (170)
[#21] Albert Tumenov (17-2-0, -177) vs. [#24] Gunnar Nelson (14-2-1, +149)

Last 3 Fights: Albert Tumenov (3-0-0)
2016-01-02: W vs. [#26WW] Lorenz Larkin (16-5-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2015-10-03: W vs. [#76WW] Alan Jouban (13-4-0) via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) in 2:55 of round 1
2015-01-24: W vs. [*] Nicholas Musoke (13-4-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Gunnar Nelson (1-2-0)
2015-12-12: L vs. [#7WW] Demian Maia (22-6-0) via UD (30-26, 30-25, 30-25)
2015-07-11: W vs. [#110WW] Brandon Thatch (11-4-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:54 of round 1
2014-10-04: L vs. [*] Rick Story (18-8-0) via SD (50-44, 47-48, 49-46)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Albert Tumenov 127, Gunnar Nelson 148
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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A brief preface: I wrote this blog last night, and before I could publish it this morning, UFC announced that Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier light-heavyweight title unification bout will be the new main event for UFC 200, which really makes this a moot post.  Apparently Jones did not suffer any severe injuries in his fight against Ovince St. Preux, and Cormier feels that he will also be fully recovered in time to train and fight Jones at 200.  So the question has been answered before I had the chance to ask.

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Back in 2009, the Ultimate Fighting Championship hyped UFC 100 as a landmark event, putting on two championship bouts featuring the promotion’s two of the most popular fighters at the time: Brock Lesnar and Georges St-Pierre.  Headlined by the big names and backed up by a solid undercard, UFC 100 brought in a whopping 1.6 million Pay-Per-View (PPV) buys, a record that remains unbroken to this day.  Needless to say, the fans as well as the UFC staff both have high expectations for another big-number event in UFC 200.  Everyone was curious to find out who will be performing on the ‘big show’, and eventually a nice fight card came together on paper.  Headlined by a rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, there were also two title fights scheduled for the event: Frankie Edgar taking on Jose Aldo for the interim featherweight title (the real title still technically held by McGregor), and Miesha Tate defending her new bantamweight crown against Amanda Nunes. The remainder of the card also seemed very promising, all the way down to the Fight Pass prelims, and there are plenty of opportunities to place a bet on UFC 200 if you’re a gambling type.  Unfortunately, last week shenanigans began as the scheduled main event fell apart – seemingly for no apparent reason.  I wonder if any sports books are taking bets on what will ultimately end up as the headlining bout of this event.  Here are our most likely options:

[#2 FW] Conor McGregor vs [#2 LW] Nate Diaz

It all started with a cryptic tweet from Conor McGregor claiming that he is retiring from the sport.  Speculation has run wild on the reasons behind this statement. Was it a negotiating ploy to get more money for the fight?  Was McGregor shook up by a recent death of a fighter following an MMA bout in Ireland, which Conor witnessed from the ringside?  Did he already make enough money in his short career to live out the rest of his life comfortably and not have to worry about potential broken limbs, brain damage, or worse?  As it turns out, none of the above.  The point of contention between McGregor and Zuffa was a pre-fight press conference in Las Vegas, which McGregor refused to attend, as he feels it would disrupt his training camp in Iceland.  With neither side willing to budge, UFC has pulled McGregor off the card, and started looking for a replacement opponent for Diaz.  Few days later, McGregor tweeted that the fight is back on, but this was disputed by Dana.  Nick Diaz also has not remained silent: first he claimed that he will retire along with McGregor, then it was something along the lines of “I don’t want to fight anyone but McGregor, in fact I really don’t want to fight at all, but I will fight whomever UFC puts in front of me”.  Most recently, Diaz announced that the fight is off and he is going on vacation.  I don’t know who to believe here, but can’t shake the feeling that this is all just a strange manner to generate more hype for the fight- let a few weeks pass, and perhaps all parties will come to an agreement and the fight will be back on. Should the fight go ahead, the betting odds for UFC 200 cannot predict a winner from McGregor and Diaz.

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