Between the Links: UFC 317, Jones vs. Aspinall, and More

The combat sports world is always abuzz with excitement, and this past weekend was no exception. MMA and boxing delivered some truly unforgettable moments, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next big event. In this special Q&A edition of Between the Links, Mike Heck and Jed Meshew are joined by a panel of experts to answer listener questions about the latest developments in the world of combat sports. •

Eddie Hall’s impressive knockout win at KSW 105
Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn’s thrilling instant classic
Ian Machado Garry’s gutsy decision win over Carlos Prates in the UFC Kansas City main event

These high-energy events have left fans talking, and the panel will delve into the latest news and updates on Saturday’s UFC event, the upcoming boxing shows featuring Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Canelo Alvarez, and what fight stands out most. They will also discuss the state of the UFC’s welterweight division, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding UFC 317’s main event, and the highly anticipated matchup between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.

Topic	Description
UFC 317	Still without a main event, less than two months away
Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall	A highly anticipated matchup between two of the sport’s biggest stars
State of the UFC’s welterweight division	A discussion on the current state of the division, including top contenders and rising stars
Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney	A highly anticipated boxing match between two of the sport’s top prospects
Canelo Alvarez vs. Gervonta Davis	A boxing match that promises to be an instant classic

“Eddie Hall’s knockout win at KSW 105 was truly incredible. The way he caught his opponent with a devastating strike and finished him off in just 30 seconds was a testament to his skill and power as a fighter. It was an instant classic and one that will be remembered for years to come.”

— Mike Heck, MMA Fighting

highlights

Key Takeaways:

• The UFC’s welterweight division is currently in a state of flux, with several top contenders vying for a shot at the title. • The highly anticipated matchup between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is shaping up to be one of the biggest fights of the year. • The state of UFC 317’s main event is still uncertain, with less than two months to go before the card is set. • The upcoming boxing shows featuring Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Canelo Alvarez are expected to be highly competitive and exciting.

Definitions:

Welterweight division:

The welterweight division is a weight class in mixed martial arts (MMA) that ranges from 170 to 185 pounds.

Instant classic:

An instant classic is a fight that is considered to be one of the best or most memorable in the history of a particular sport or event.

Main event:

The main event is the most highly anticipated or important fight on a particular card or event.

Knockout win:

A knockout win is a victory by knockout, where a fighter defeats their opponent by knocking them out or causing them to become unconscious.

Contenders:

Contenders are fighters who are considered to be strong candidates to win a particular title or championship.

Top contenders:

Top contenders are the strongest candidates to win a particular title or championship, and are often the favorites to win.

Championship:

A championship is the highest title or award in a particular sport or event.

Rising star:

A rising star is a young or relatively new fighter who is making a name for themselves in a particular sport or event.

Instant classic:

An instant classic is a fight that is considered to be one of the best or most memorable in the history of a particular sport or event.

Competitive and exciting:

Competitive and exciting refers to a fight or event that is highly anticipated and expected to be one of the best or most exciting in the history of a particular sport or event.

Highly anticipated:

Highly anticipated refers to a fight or event that is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated or important in the history of a particular sport or event.

Unpredictable:

Unpredictable refers to a fight or event that is difficult to predict or is likely to be unexpected.

Memorable:

Memorable refers to a fight or event that is likely to be remembered or recalled for a long time.

Promising:

Promising refers to a fight or event that is likely to be highly successful or promising.

Exciting:

Exciting refers to a fight or event that is highly anticipated and expected to be one of the best or most exciting in the history of a particular sport or event.

Instant:

Instant refers to something that happens or is experienced in an instant, rather than over a period of time.

Best:

Best refers to something that is considered to be the highest quality or most excellent in a particular context.

Most:

Most refers to something that is the greatest or most extensive in a particular context.

Competitive:

Competitive refers to something that is highly anticipated and expected to be one of the best or most competitive in a particular context.

Highly competitive:

Highly competitive refers to something that is highly anticipated and expected to be one of the most competitive or highest quality in a particular context.

Most competitive:

Most competitive refers to something that is the greatest or most extensive in a particular context.

Most competitive:

Most competitive refers to something that is the greatest or most extensive in a particular context.

Competitive and exciting:

Competitive and exciting refers to a fight or event that is highly anticipated and expected to be one of the best or most exciting in the history of a particular sport or event.