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The UFC returns to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, tonight (February 15, 2025) for UFC Fight Night 251, headlined by a high-stakes middleweight clash between former title challenger Jared Cannonier and surging contender Gregory Rodrigues. With both fighters at career crossroads, this event promises fireworks and potential shakeups in the UFC rankings. Below, we break down the fight card, odds, viewing details, and key storylines.
In the co-headliner, Calvin Kattar (23-8 MMA) faces a daunting challenge against Youssef Zalal (-485), a rising star on a six-fight stoppage streak. Kattar, once a top-10 featherweight, has lost three straight bouts and now battles to avoid gatekeeper status. Zalal, meanwhile, has revitalized his career with three consecutive UFC submissions, making him a heavy favorite .
Odds: Zalal (-485) | Kattar (+370) .
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, NV
Start Times:
Preliminary Card: 4 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
Main Card: 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
Broadcast : SteadyFlix .
Main Event Spotlight: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues – A Battle for Relevance
Jared Cannonier (17-8 MMA, 10-8 UFC), ranked No. 7 in the UFC’s middleweight division, faces a must-win scenario. The 40-year-old “Killa Gorilla” enters this fight on a two-fight skid, having suffered knockout and decision losses to Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho in 2024 18. Once a title challenger, Cannonier’s recent performances have raised questions about his durability and ability to compete with younger contenders. Despite a 2.5-inch reach advantage (77.5” vs. Rodrigues’ 75”) and a 53.69% striking accuracy, Cannonier’s reliance on decisions (4 of his last 5 fights went the distance) could prove risky against an aggressive opponent .
Gregory Rodrigues (16-5 MMA, 7-2 UFC), nicknamed “Robocop,” aims to crack the top 15 with a victory. Riding a three-fight win streak, including knockouts of Brad Tavares and Denis Tiuliulin, Rodrigues brings superior striking volume (5.52 significant strikes/minute vs. Cannonier’s 4.49) and grappling prowess (2.74 takedowns per fight) 18. A win here would mark his most significant career achievement and position him as a contender.
Odds: Rodrigues (-245) | Cannonier (+200) .
Main Card (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
FavoriteUnderdogWeight ClassGregory Rodrigues (-245)Jared Cannonier (+200)MiddleweightYoussef Zalal (-485)Calvin Kattar (+370)FeatherweightEdmen Shahbazyan (-410)Dylan Budka (+320)MiddleweightIsmael Bonfim (-220)Nazim Sadykhov (+180)LightweightRodolfo Vieira (-280)Andre Petroski (+225)MiddleweightJose Delgado (-500)Connor Matthews (+380)Featherweight
Preliminary Card (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
Women’s Strawweight: Angela Hill (-110) vs. Ketlen Souza (-110)
Flyweight: Rafael Estevam (-500) vs. Jesus Aguilar (+375)
Welterweight: Gabriel Bonfim (-220) vs. Khaos Williams (+180)
Bantamweight: Vince Morales (+115) vs. Elijah Smith (-135)
Heavyweight: Valter Walker (-205) vs. Don’Tale Mayes (+230)
Women’s Bantamweight: Jacqueline Cavalcanti (-700) vs. Julia Avila (+500).
UFC Fight Night 251 delivers a mix of veteran grit and youthful ambition. For Cannonier, this is a final chance to prove he belongs among the elite; for Rodrigues, it’s a golden opportunity to stake his claim in the rankings. With explosive matchups like Zalal vs. Kattar and rising stars like Delgado, this card is a must-watch for MMA fans.