Two massive title fights reportedly 'leaked' for UFC 306 at The Sphere in blunder by French-Canadian broadcast partners
07/14/2024 04:41 AM
As speculation surrounding UFC 306 at the Las Vegas megastructure continues, fans are quick to jump on a recent blunder by a broadcast partner.
UFC 306 at The Sphere in Las Vegas won't just be the best MMA event ever to be put on, it'll also be one of the greatest shows in all live sports broadcasting – at least, according to Dana White.
Well, White certainly won't be pleased if the latest leak surrounding the upcoming PPV turns out to be true, as the promotion's French-Canadian broadcast partners allegedly announced the two title fights topping the bill.
Two massive title fights reportedly 'leaked' for UFC 306 at The Sphere
Whilst the vast majority of fight fans in North America were watching UFC Denver last night via ESPN+, a portion of the community was enjoying the evening's event through the official French-Canadian livestream, TVA Sports.
Just like with ESPN Deportes, this broadcast features its own commentary and analysis – with fans shocked to hear one of the team inadvertently announcing the two title fights topping the UFC 306 main card.
As shared online by X/Twitter account MMA Matchmaker, UFC 306 at The Sphere will reportedly feature both a bantamweight title fight between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, but also a featherweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway.
It was not reported which of these two fights would be the headlining attraction, although the UFC would likely go with Topuria vs Holloway given the commonality of the higher weight classes topping cards with multiple title fights.
The clip itself can reportedly be found via UFC Fight Pass and was shared on social media just a few minutes later – check out what the French-Canadian broadcaster said below.
"In September, it's going to be quite an event. Noche UFC, on September 14th inside the Sphere, Las Vegas. We already have a few fights that we can announce to you.
"Ilia Topuria versus Max Holloway for the featherweight championship and there is also Sean O'Malley against Merab Dvalishvili – who are confirmed for this."
Despite that final part of the statement, as neither title fight has been officially confirmed by the UFC, it appears that the vast majority of the responses to the alleged leak have been in agreement that this was what had been teased by the broadcast partners.
Earlier in the week, veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported that whilst both fights were indeed being discussed, the UFC would instead opt to split the two title fights between UFC 306 at The Sphere and UFC 307 in Utah.
Five fights already announced for UFC 306 at The Sphere
If the alleged leak regarding the title fights at UFC 306 is indeed correct, they would join five other bouts that have also already been set for that card in September.
These include two fights in the men's flyweight division between Edgar Chairez and Kevin Borjas, as well as Ronaldo Rodriguez versus Ode Osborne.
11-1 Mexican prospect Yazmin Jauregui is set to face Brazilian strawweight Ketlen Souza, with Irene Aldana versus Norma Dumont also set for a clash in the bantamweight division.
Finally, and undoubtedly the best fight of the bunch, Brazilian showman Michel Pereira returns to action to face popular middleweight contender Anthony 'Fluffy' Hernandez.
UFC 306 (also known as UFC Noche 2) is scheduled to go down from The Sphere in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 14.
