Saturday night’s alright for streamin’: Sizing up UFC Fort Lauderdale vs. Bellator 220

MMAfighting.com

There was a time not so long ago when we complained there was not nearly enough mixed martial arts to fill the schedule. We would often have to wait a month or more between events, and even then, we’d only get to witness a five-fight main card. Eventually, things changed. New broadcast deals were reached, and before long, there were marathon events on television every weekend. Now things have shifted again. MMA remains a weekend staple, but the battleground has moved to the digital realm.

Saturday marks the first time MMA’s two behemoths — UFC and Bellator — go head-to-head in primetime on their new streaming platforms, and they’re doing so with cards that appeal mainly to hardcore fans.

Let’s have a look at how UFC Fort Lauderdale (ESPN+) and Bellator 220 (DAZN) match up:

BONUS FIGHT

UFC — Roosevelt Roberts vs. Thomas Gifford

Neither of these dudes have Wikipedia pages, but Roosevelt is undefeated at 7-0, having beaten Darrell Horcher in his UFC debut last November. He’s also a finisher, having stopped all of his opponents and has an aspirational story, having survived homelessness and a troubled past to chase his athletic dreams. Gifford is a party-crasher in this fight booking, but it should be fun while it lasts.

Fun Fact: Roberts has had 14 combined fights as an amateur and pro, and has never been to a decision