One has to credit the UFC for trying to grow the popularity of its sport. It’s a no-brainer to stage an event in New York City or Los Angeles or London, but this Saturday’s Fight Night card is being held in the metropolis of … Rio Rancho, New Mexico. It’s the second time in the state for the UFC but first in the state’s third-largest city that is basically a suburb of Albuquerque.

Odds courtesy of OddsShark.com

The main card at the Santa Ana Star Center begins at 8 p.m. ET and is headlined by a light heavyweight bout between Corey Anderson and Jan Blachowicz in a rematch. Interesting that a light heavyweight bout is the headliner as that was the case last week when pound-for-pound king Jon Jones retained his title with a win over Dominick Reyes.

Anderson (13-4), a 30-year-old American, is ranked No. 5 in the division. “Overtime” has won four in a row since back-to-back losses to Ovince St. Preux and Jimi Manuwa. Anderson was most recently in the Octagon in November 2019 and beat Johnny Walker by first-round TKO (punches). Only five of Anderson’s 13 wins are by KO or TKO, while the other eight are by decision.