UFC 334: 3 Bouts To Keep An Eye On Besides Title Fights

The fight card for UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden is out, and it looks appetizing.

In the main event, Ciryl Gane fights for the first time since being promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion. He defends the title against Josh Hokit, who has had a meteoric rise to contendership since being signed to the promotion in 2025.

In the co-main, WMMA legend Amanda Nunes finally returns after more than three years. She challenges women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison. The two were supposed to clash at UFC 324 earlier this year, but a serious cervical injury to Harrison forced its postponement.

Besides that, the card boasts a mix of contenders, prospects, and legends. From the remaining fights, here are 3 of the most important.

This is a striker’s delight – one that promises all-out warfare on the ground.

Uros Medic has been with the UFC since 2021, but only recently has he been able to maintain momentum. A four-win streak, including a first-round destruction of Daniel Rodriguez in his native Serbia last time out, has him poised to make a run at the welterweight Top 10.

Before he can progress further, however, Medic has to first get past a longer-serving veteran in Kevin Holland.

“Trailblazer” has fought a who’s who of notables inside the Octagon. This includes former Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and former title challengers Stephen Thompson and Marvin Vettori. Thus, he knows what title-caliber opposition feels like, which should prove useful in yet another big-time clash.

Women’s bantamweight has often been one of the UFC’s weaker divisions, but a new breed of prospects is slowly making itself known. Bia Mesquita, a member of that clique, will look to elevate herself to contendership against Macy Chiasson in the only tussle between ranked fighters in the prelims.

Jun 29, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Macy Chiasson during UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Like Holland, Chiasson, a former winner of The Ultimate Fighter, has faced a who’s who of names. She has showcased a balanced game throughout that time, but her most important weapon will be the striking.

Mesquita was rocked by Melissa Mullins in her last fight before recomposing herself and getting the armbar. Thus, it is imperative that she gets the fight to the mat quickly, just as she did in her first two fights, lest something more catastrophic happen.

Besides the two title defenses and the fight that tops this list, Mesquita vs. Chiasson may be the most significant bout at UFC 334.

Remember when Alex Pereira became a middleweight title contender only a short time after a highly decorated kickboxing career? Well, the UFC is about to try replicating it with one of his old foes.

Sep 12, 2026; Glendale, Arizona, UNITED STATES; Yousri Belgaroui (red gloves) reacts after defeating Djorden Santos (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Desert Diamond Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Yousri Belgaroui was one of the most intriguing Dana White’s Contenders Series alums when he first fought there in 2023. He lost, but two straight wins got him another invite, and he made the most of the second chance.

Now, three Octagon finishes later, he is getting the fast track against Caio Borralho.

The Brazilian “Natural” has been vocal about wanting to fight Dricus du Plessis, even flying to South Africa in search of the ex-champion. Instead, he has to play gatekeeper against a prospect who looks to continue the trend of strikers rocketing to the top.

Bombs will be thrown here, and a massive divisional upheaval could be at play here.

That is not to mention the other notable names on the card.

Southeast Asia is still looking for a UFC star, and flyweight sensation Bilal Hasan is apparently its best bet. Coming off a monstrous knockout in his Octagon debut, he is now getting a main-card spot in just his sophomore outing.

Elsewhere, two-time title challenger Stephen Thompson returns after 16 months against Charlie Radtke. Plus, lightweight Jim Miller and Drew Dober clash for the first time ever.