On March 15, UFC Fight Night 254 is set to present an exciting bantamweight confrontation between Da’Mon Blackshear and Cody Gibson at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This match features two seasoned fighters who are eager to capitalize on their recent successes and assert their positions within the highly competitive bantamweight division. Sources close to the event hinted at this matchup, seeking to maintain confidentiality until the UFC’s official announcement. Such anticipation only builds the excitement surrounding this bout, as both fighters have displayed resilience and skill in their recent performances.
Da’Mon Blackshear, holding a professional record of 15 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw, boasts a respectable UFC record of 3-1-1. The Maryland native recently put an end to a two-fight losing streak by submitting Cody Stamann in the first round of their bout in November. This pivotal victory not only showcased his grappling prowess but also reinvigorated his momentum in the octagon. A particularly noteworthy highlight from his recent fights is his innovative twister submission against Jose Johnson, which has garnered attention as a potential 2023 Submission of the Year contender. With Blackshear now aiming for consistency, a win against Gibson is crucial for propelling him further up the bantamweight ranks.
On the other side of the octagon, Cody Gibson carries a professional record of 21 wins and 10 losses, with a UFC history of 3 wins and 5 losses. After a tough start in his first tenure with the promotion from 2014-2015, where he managed only one victory in five outings, Gibson has reinvented himself upon returning to the UFC as a finalist in “The Ultimate Fighter 31.” Although he faced defeat at the hands of Brad Katona in the Final, their match earned Fight of the Night accolades, highlighting Gibson’s ability to engage fans and display impressive fighting skills. Since a setback against Miles Johns, he has bounced back with consecutive victories over Brian Kelleher and Chad Anheliger, marking the first winning streak of his second UFC stint. This resurgence positions him well as he prepares to face the formidable Blackshear.
As UFC Fight Night 254 approaches, the addition of Blackshear versus Gibson enriches an already intriguing lineup. Other matchups on the card include Waldo Cortes-Acosta against Ryan Spann, Daniel Barez versus Andre Lima, and Sam Hughes taking on Stephanie Luciano, each promising their own flavor of excitement. For both Blackshear and Gibson, a victory could be pivotal for establishing their relevance in the bantamweight title conversation. Fans will undoubtedly tune in to witness this clash of styles, resilience, and ambition as they aim to secure their futures in one of MMA’s most thrilling divisions.