FOX UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Rockhold viewing and schedule guide
While middleweight champion Chris Weidman awaits Vitor Belfort at UFC 187 in May, the next contender at 185 pounds may very well be crowned this weekend in the main event of the FOX UFC Fight Night event from Newark, NJ as Lyoto Machida meets Luke Rockhold in the five-round headline bout.
Machida lost a close decision to Weidman last year, but returned with a furious statement in his last fight, knocking out C.B. Dollaway just seconds into the first round. The former light heavyweight champion is on a mission to get back to another title shot and a win on Saturday might just do the job.
Rockhold has looked virtually unstoppable since stumbling in his first fight in the UFC. The former Strikeforce champion most recently rolled through Michael Bisping en route to his fight with Machida this weekend.
Also on the card, No. 1 ranked middleweight Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza is back in action as well as highly touted women's strawweight fighter Paige VanZant, who takes on "Ultimate Fighter" veteran Felice Herrig.
To make sure you don't miss a minute of the action, here's a full guide of the events going down in New Jersey this week all leading to the main event on FOX on Saturday night.
Friday at 4p ET - FOX UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Rockhold weigh-ins
Where to watch: FOX Sports 2 or FOX Sports GO
To officially kick off the fight weekend, get ready to see all the fighters hit the scale before staring down just 24 hours away from the show. The weigh-ins can often times tell the tale before the fights on Saturday night so this is a great way to see who has the edge before even stepping foot in the cage.
Saturday at 4:30p ET - FOX UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Rockhold early prelims
Where to watch: UFC Fight Pass
The first three fights of the night will kick off on UFC Fight Pass, the UFC's online digital network. The bouts include:
George Sullivan vs. Tim Means
Diego Brandao vs. Jimy Hettes
Eddie Gordon vs. Chris Dempsey
Saturday at 5p ET - FOX UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Rockhold pre-fight show
Where to watch: FOX Sports 2 or FOX Sports GO
Before the fights start, join the FOX UFC team as they dig into the card, make picks and predictions and give analysis on all the matchups about to go down on Saturday night.
Saturday at 6p ET - FOX UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Rockhold Prelims
Where to watch: FOX
The first four fights of the night will kick off on FOX and there are some great matchups on this undercard including a fight between New Jersey's own Jim Miller and rising lightweight contender Beneil Dariush as well as a battle between top 15 light heavyweights when Ovince Saint-Preux meets Patrick Cummins. The four fights featured include:
Jim Miller vs. Beneil Dariush
Ovince Saint-Preux vs. Patrick Cummins
Corey Anderson vs. Gian Villante
Takeya Mizugaki vs. Aljamain Sterling
Saturday at 8p ET - FOX UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Rockhold Main Card
Where to watch: FOX
The main card will kick off at 8p sharp with four featured bouts all leading to the five round headline bout as No. 2 ranked Lyoto Machida taking on No. 4 ranked Luke Rockhold.
MAIN EVENT: Lyoto Machida vs. Luke Rockhold
Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza vs. Chris Camozzi
Cub Swanson vs. Max Holloway
Felice Herrig vs. Paige VanZant
Saturday at 10p ET -- FOX UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Rockhold post fight show
Where to watch: FOX Sports 2 or FOX Sports GO
Following the night's action, the post fight show takes place on FOX Sports 2 with analysis of the fights as well as exclusive interviews from backstage in Sweden.
