MMA With Robert Whittaker v. Kelvin Gastelum axed, what fight will main event UFC 230 at MSG? The UFC have a few months to replace one major fight with another as they make their return to MSG by Daniel Yanofsky July 19, 2018 Normally, it isn’t until the final few days of a UFC PPV where something goes wrong. Whether it is a fighter missing weight or someone throwing a dolly at a bus filled with fighters inside, stacked UFC cards are always cursed. This time, the MMA Gods have given us time to prepare for a replacement for one of the most anticipated fights of the year. A few days ago, ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported that UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker will be taking the rest of the year off in order to recover from injuries sustained during his last fight against Yoel Romero at UFC 225. His planned bout against Kelvin Gastelum for the title at UFC 230 inside Madison Square Garden has now been scrapped. Both fighters are still expected to be coaches during the final “The Ultimate Fighter” TV series. It is a punch to the gut for many MMA fans who were excited for the UFC’s return to The Garden. The question on everyone’s mind is simple: what bout will the UFC add to bring people back in? It shouldn’t be that hard, considering there are plenty of matchups to make. They could put Gastelum in an interim title fight, but with interim titles going around like candy, it might not be the most ideal move for him. One fight they could add is the rumored Cris Cyborg v. Amanda Nunes bout. This has been a long time coming, but both fighters can’t agree on a set date. An early September bout has been offered, as well as a late December one. Why not meet in the (somewhat) middle and have the fight in November? What better way to showcase the two best female fighters in MMA today by having it under the bright lights of New York City? Now that would be something. If that doesn’t work out, you also have the possibility of a Tyron Woodley Welterweight Title fight. While that might not main event the card, he has several opponents waiting for him. A fight against either Colby Covington or Darren Till could bring in an interesting atmosphere to The Garden. Remember, one of Woodley’s best fights was at The Garden, against Stephen Thompson at UFC 205. What about the return of Conor McGregor? He made history at UFC 205, while also bringing in fans from all over the world. His legal troubles might affect any plans for future fights, but anything is possible. Imagine Conor v. Khabib Nurmagomedov inside MSG and try to say you wouldn’t be interested. With plenty of time left until the big dance, the UFC has a lot to think about. What fight will get you to buy tickets to UFC 230? Post Views: 1,138 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Daniel Yanofsky Baseball Editor, Misc. Sports Editor. Covers all things combat sports (MMA, Pro Wrestling and Boxing). When he's not writing, Daniel hosts a podcast, The Main Event. Latest posts by Daniel Yanofsky (see all) Mets hire Luis Rojas to replace Carlos Beltran as manager - January 23, 2020 An Outsider’s 2020 Hall of Fame Ballot - January 21, 2020 A Wild Yo Sighting: Yoenis Cespedes participates in running, fielding and hitting drills - January 21, 2020 Following Conor McGregor’s win at UFC 246, is “The King” truly back? - January 20, 2020 Related TopicsAmanda NunesConor McGregorCris CyborgKelvin Gastelumkhabib NurmagomedovMadison Square GardenmmaRobert Whittakertyron woodleyufcUFC 230 1 Comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 XFL Co-Owner Dany Garcia Talks Business, Serving Others at espnW Women + Sports Summit by Candace Cordelia | posted on October 23, 2020 Fighting Words: Bellator is Giving Hardy the Credit She Deserves by Kristine Haugsjaa | posted on October 20, 2017 How To Avoid Scams When Purchasing Football Tickets Online by Guest | posted on July 23, 2020 Women in Sports: Ariel Epstein, On-Air Host at SportsGrid (VIDEO) by Anthony Paradiso | posted on March 12, 2021 More in MMA The Mockery of A Sport: Paul vs. Askren Jake Paul and Ben Askren are set to fight tonight, and as a fan... The Leverage Game: What’s Going on Between Jon Jones and UFC? After Francis Ngannou knocked out Stipe Miocic, fight fans everywhere were already excited about... Athletes and their “Charitable” Contributions The other day I was watching TV when I saw a commercial for Conor... Should the Holloway vs. Katter fight have been Stopped in the 4th Round? Dana White thought so… In my honest opinion, when it comes to sports there is nothing like watching... Michael Page on DAZN, the Welterweight Grand Prix, more It will be a party at the Coli as Bellator heads to Long Island for Chael Sonnen v. Fedor Emelianenko