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The grappling world is set for an explosive start in 2024 as ADXC 2 gears up for captivating showdowns featuring top-tier fighters transitioning from the octagon to the mats.
Aljamain Sterling, poised for a move to the UFC featherweight division, is scheduled to headline the ADXC 2 event on January 19 at Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Arena. The former bantamweight champion is primed to test his grappling prowess against none other than current UFC lightweight, Chase Hooper, in the main event.
Amidst his transition to a new weight class after losing the bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292 in August, Sterling has been actively engaging in grappling showcases. He recently triumphed over UFC veteran Mike Grundy in a unanimous decision and is slated to headline Fury Pro Grappling 8 against Kevin Dentzler on December 30.
In an exciting matchup, Hooper, having garnered back-to-back victories in the lightweight division against Nick Fiore and Jordan Leavitt, is poised to make a shift back to the grappling scene. The 24-year-old fighter last engaged in a grappling contest over a year ago, clinching victory by submitting Clay Guida via a calf slicer at Fury Pro Grappling 6 in December 2022.
Additionally, UFC lightweight standout Terrance McKinney is set to collide with Bellator veteran Sidney Outlaw in what promises to be a compelling battle between two seasoned grappling maestros.
With Sterling and Hooper headlining the event, both fighters are looking to showcase their ground skills before diving into their respective UFC ventures. This event serves as a platform for these accomplished athletes to display their grappling artistry and set the tone for an exhilarating year in the world of combat sports.
As these top-tier fighters transition from the cage to the mat, ADXC 2 sets the stage for an enthralling evening of high-level grappling, captivating enthusiasts with matchups that promise to elevate the artistry of submission wrestling to new heights.