The UFC’s bantamweight division is set for another exciting matchup as Da’Mon Blackshear and Cody Gibson prepare to face off at UFC Fight Night 254 on March 15, 2025. The event, slated to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, promises to deliver high-octane action as these two veterans aim to climb the ranks in one of the promotion’s most competitive weight classes.
Da’Mon Blackshear will take on Cody Gibson at #UFCVegas104 on March 15th.
[first rep. @mma_kings] pic.twitter.com/LgKQzyspJU— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) January 8, 2025
Blackshear Looks to Build on Momentum
Da’Mon Blackshear (15-7-1 MMA, 3-1-1 UFC) enters this bout riding the wave of a spectacular first-round submission victory over Cody Stamann in November. This win was a crucial rebound for Blackshear, who had previously faced a two-fight skid. With a 3-2 record in his last five outings, Blackshear has shown both resilience and the ability to finish fights in dramatic fashion.
Da’Mon Blackshear claims his 10th victory by submission at #UFCVegas100 😤 pic.twitter.com/kKgJVc2Ykx
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 9, 2024
Perhaps the most notable moment in Blackshear’s recent career came in 2023 when he executed a rare twister submission against Jose Johnson, a move that garnered serious consideration for Submission of the Year. This highlight-reel finish showcased Blackshear’s grappling prowess and creativity on the ground, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
Blackshear’s ability to bounce back from adversity and his penchant for spectacular finishes make him a fan favorite and a fighter to watch. A win over Gibson could potentially catapult him into the bantamweight rankings and set him up for bigger opportunities in the future.
Gibson’s Resurgence in the UFC
Cody Gibson (21-10 MMA, 3-5 UFC) is in the midst of a career renaissance, currently enjoying his first UFC winning streak since returning to the promotion. Gibson’s journey back to the UFC is a testament to his perseverance and skill development.
After an initial UFC run from 2014 to 2015 that saw him go 1-3, Gibson found himself outside the promotion. However, he clawed his way back, earning a spot as a bantamweight finalist on ‘The Ultimate Fighter 31’ in 2023. Although he fell short in the finale against Brad Katona, Gibson’s performance in that bout was impressive enough to earn Fight of the Night honors.
Brad Katona Fights Cody Gibson
last time in the octagon Katona became the first ever 2 times TUF winner
He fights this weekend at 297, I believe he is easily top 20 caliber. Having only lost to Merab and Hunter Azure
— fat activist 🍩🍔🎂🍕 (@penaphile) January 16, 2024
Since then, Gibson has been on a tear, stringing together back-to-back victories over Brian Kelleher and Chad Anheliger. These wins have not only solidified his place in the UFC but have also shown that Gibson is a much-improved fighter since his first stint with the promotion.
The matchup between Blackshear and Gibson is a classic striker vs. grappler confrontation. Blackshear’s submission skills will be pitted against Gibson’s improved striking and overall MMA game. Both fighters have shown the ability to finish fights, which bodes well for an exciting contest.
UFC Fight Night 254 Fight Card
This bantamweight bout adds significant depth to the UFC Fight Night 254 card, which is shaping up to be an intriguing event. The lineup already features a heavyweight clash between Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Ryan Spann in what is likely to be the main event. Other notable matchups include Daniel Barez vs. Andre Lima and Sam Hughes vs. Stephanie Luciano.
Check out the confirmed fights on this card:
- Andre Lima vs. Daniel Barez
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Ryan Spann
- Carli Judice vs. Yuneisy Duben
- Sam Hughes vs. Stephanie Luciano
- Brendson Ribeiro vs. Diyar Nurgozhay
- Cody Gibson vs. Da’Mon Blackshear
