Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show to feature UFC 248 headliners Israel Adesanya, Yoel Romero
Israel Adesanya and Yoel Romero share a funny dance-off after their press conference in Houston. (1:33)
Israel Adesanya will defend his middleweight championship against Yoel Romero at UFC 248 on Saturday night. But before they take center stage in Las Vegas, both main-event participants are set to join Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show on Monday.
It’s the first title defense for Adesanya (18-0), while Romero has lost three of his past four, all via decision.
Also scheduled for Monday are two women who made strong cases for a title opportunity at featherweight. Both Megan Anderson and Felicia Spencer earned first-round stoppages this past weekend. Has either emerged as the next challenger for Amanda Nunes?
Also set to join the show: Demetrious Johnson, Paul Felder, Luis Pena and Deron Winn.
1 p.m. ET: Recap UFC Norfolk
1:20 p.m.: Felicia Spencer
Spencer will talk about her victory over Zarah Fairn, her third straight strong showing in the UFC.
1:35 p.m.: Yoel Romero
He will discuss his title opportunity this weekend. At 42, will this be his last crack at UFC gold?
1:55 p.m.: Megan Anderson
Anderson, who has won two straight, will talk about the stiff right hand that floored Norma Dumont this past Saturday.
2:10 p.m.: Demetrious Johnson
Johnson, who is 3-0 in ONE Championship, is set to take on Adriano Moraes in April. He also will talk about the UFC flyweight title fight during the weekend and the state of the 125-pound division.
2:25 p.m.: Paul Felder
Felder hinted at retirement after his heartbreaking loss at UFC Auckland. Will we see him compete in the Octagon again?
2:45 p.m.: Deron Winn
The promising Winn will give his thoughts on his fight this weekend against veteran Gerald Meerschaert.
3 p.m.: Luis Peña
The popular “Violent Bob Ross” will talk about his unanimous decision win at UFC Norfolk.
3:20 p.m.: Israel Adesanya
Adesanya will discuss his first title defense in Saturday’s UFC 248 main event.