Ferguson vs. Lee expected to headline UFC 216 over Johnson vs. Borg
The interim lightweight title fight between Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee was originally announced as the UFC 216 main event and it looks like it will remain in the headline spot after all.
The flyweight title fight between Demetrious Johnson and Ray Borg was shifted from UFC 215 to UFC 216, but that matchup will remain as the co-main event according to the bout order and promotional material released by the promotion.
Johnson was originally scheduled to meet Borg in September but the top five ranked title contender came down with a viral infection that forced him off the card just days ahead of the event.
Thankfully Borg recovered quickly enough that he could be rescheduled for the next pay-per-view card on Oct. 7 instead.
The UFC typically prioritizes weight divisions when it comes to main event slots on a pay-per-view broadcast although the lightweight title going up for grabs in October is an interim belt while Johnson will look to break the all-time record for title defenses when he faces Borg with the flyweight strap on the line.
Still it appears the UFC has opted to stick with the interim lightweight title fight at the top of the card as originally scheduled as Ferguson and Lee will battle it out while 155-pound king Conor McGregor takes time off following his boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in August.
Here’s the bout order as it stands for UFC 216: Ferguson vs. Lee
MAIN EVENT: Tony Ferguson vs. Kevin Lee
Demetrious Johnson vs. Ray Borg
Fabricio Werdum vs. Derrick Lewis
Paige VanZant vs. Jessica Eye
Beneil Dariush vs. Evan Dunham
UFC 216 Prelims (FXX)
Walt Harris vs. Mark Godbeer
Will Brooks vs. Nik Lentz
Tom Duquesnoy vs. Cody Stamann
Pearl Gonzalez vs. Poliana Botelho
Bobby Green vs. Lando Vannata
Early Prelims (UFC Fight Pass)
John Moraga vs. Magomed Bibulatov
Thales Leites vs. Brad Tavares
Matt Schnell vs. Marco Beltran