On Saturday, April 18, the UFC will host UFC on Fox 15: Machida vs. Rockhold from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
In the nightâs main event, former light heavyweight champion and recent middleweight title challenger Lyoto Machida clashes with former Strikeforce middleweight kingpin Luke Rockhold. The Brazilian Machida bounced back from a hard-fought decision loss to current champion Chris Weidman by dismantling C.B. Dollaway in just 62 seconds in December. Rockhold, meanwhile, will enter the Octagon riding a three-fight winning streak. The 30-year-old has scored three straight finishes, including a submission win over Michael Bisping in the UFC Fight Night 55 main event in November.
The co-main event features an unexpected rematch as another former Strikeforce middleweight title holder, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, once again faces off with Chris Camozzi. The pair met previously in May of 2013, with the Brazilian Souza scoring a first-round submission. Souza has not tasted defeat since and was expected to face Yoel Romero, but a last-minute injury to the Cuban has opened the door for Camozzi yet again. The 28-year-old suffered three additional defeats after the Souza fight and was released from the promotion. However, after two straight, first-round stoppages on the regional circuit, Camozzi will step in on a week’s notice looking for revenge.
The 11-fight event kicks off Saturday with three preliminary card bouts streaming on UFC Fight Pass at 4:15 p.m. ET. Four additional prelims follow on Fox at 6 p.m. ET, with the four-fight main card airing live at 8 p.m. ET, also on Fox.
Above is the full episode of Road to the Octagon, which features both Machida’s and Rockhold’s preparation for the headlining bout (courtesy of the UFC).
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza vs. Chris Camozzi
Cub Swanson vs. Max Holloway
Felice Herrig vs. Paige VanZant
Ovince Saint Preux vs. Patrick Cummins
Corey Anderson vs. Gian Villante
Takeya Mizugaki vs. Aljamain Sterling
Diego Brandao vs. Jimy Hettes
Eddie Gordon vs. Chris Dempsey