UFC on FOX 25 start time, TV schedule, who is fighting tonight at ‘Weidman vs. Gastelum'

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the hurt business tonight (Sat. July 22, 2017) for UFC on FOX 25, which is set to go down from inside Nassau Veterans Coliseum in Uniondale, New York and will feature a Middleweight bout former division champion Chris Weidman taking on Kelvin Gastelum. In the co-main event of the evening, Dennis Bermudez will look to bounce back into the winning track when he faces tough-as-nails Darren Elkins.

What UFC event is on tonight? UFC on FOX 25: “Weidman vs Gastelum.”
Who is fighting tonight at UFC on FOX 25? Chris Weidman vs. Kelvin Gastelum is the main event.

When does UFC on FOX 25 start? Today (Sat., July 22, 2017), beginning at 4 p.m. ET on UFC Fight Pass.

Where will UFC on FOX 25 take place? Nassau Veterans Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.
How can I watch UFC on FOX 25? Main card start time at 8 p.m ET on FOX Sports 1 "Prelims" undercard on FOX Sports 1 start time at 6 p.m. ET. Early Fight Pass “Prelims” start at 4 p.m. ET.
Where can I get UFC on FOX 25 updates and results? Get full play-by-play updates and live coverage here!

What’s Hot:

Kelvin Gastelum’s “stength of schedule” over the last few years has been pretty impressive. After taking out Johny Hendricks, Tim Kennedy and Vitor Belfort in impressive fashion, the former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner will take on one of his biggest chalenges to date in the form of former division champion Chris Weidman. But, “All American” hasn’t looked like the world-beater many thought he once was, losing three in a row, having not tasted victory in over two years. It’s an interesting matchup to say the least, one that if you had me choosing a winner, I wouldn’t be able to give a 100-percent confident pick.

What’s Not:

For a FOX event, I expected the main card to be a bit more stacked. No disrespect to Bermudez, Elkins or Patrick Cummins, but those aren’t the types of names one is accustomed to when UFC is staging an event on BIG FOX.

Original Card vs. Actual Card:

Ricardo Lamas and Chang Sung Jung were initially set to co-headline the event before “The Korean Zombie” suffered a devastating injury that will keep him out for an extended period of time. Also, a heavyweight matchup was re-worked after Christian Columbo was removed from his fight against Damian Grabowski and replaced by Chase Sherman.

Injuries:

Aside from Jung’s injury, Alessio Di Chirico was forced out of his fight against Rafael Natal due to a neck injury and replaced by Eryk Anders.

New Blood:

Eryk Anders will make his Octagon debut and put his undefeated record (7-0) on the line against Rafael Natal. Junior Albini will put his nine-fight win streak on the line when he steps into the eight-sided cage for the first time against Timothy Johnson.

How The “Prelims” Look:

You have a couple of interesting matchups on the prelims, such as Rylan Laflare vs Alex Oliveira and Lyman Good vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. It’s nothing massive, but I think those two bouts could be highly-entertaining.

Who Needs A Win Badly:

Chris Weidman without a doubt in need of a victory. Will he get cut if he loses his fourth straight? Who knows, but, it’s safe to say that his paychecks won’t be too big moving forward should he re-up with the promotion down the line. But, you wouldn’t know “All American” is on a three-fight skid, as Weidman refuses to give up his label as “best in the world.” While it’s admirable to have that type of confidence in yourself, he also needs to be honest with himself and admit he got outclassed in his last three losses if he wants to move forward.

Interest Level: 6/10.

It’s a decent card, I just feel that the promotion could have put a bit more effort in the main card. That said, one bout that I am looking forward to that hasn’t been get a lot of media attention is one between Jimmie Rivera and Thomas Almeida. Once considered to be one of the most-promised prospects at 135 pounds, Almeida will look for back-to-back wins in order to further help erase the memory of getting KTFO by Cody Garbrandt back in 2016, a loss which ended his 21-fight undefeated streak. Speaking of win streaks, Rivera has reeled of 19 in a row including taking out Urijah Faber in his last outing. Jimmie hasn’t been getting the main stream love and push from the promotion depsite being on fire, so perhaps an impressive win over Almeida could be what he needs to put him over the top.

Can Weidman end his skid? Or will will Gastelum win his fourth in a row and perhaps earn his first-ever UFC title shot? We’ll have to tune in and see.

Full UFC on FOX 25 Fight Card:

UFC on FOX 25 Main Event:

185 lbs.: Chris Weidman vs. Kelvin Gastelum

UFC on FOX 25 Main Card (8 p.m. ET):

145 lbs.: Dennis Bermudez vs. Darren Elkins

205 lbs.: Patrick Cummins vs. Gian Villante

135 lbs.: Thomas Almeida vs. Jimmie Rivera

UFC on FOX 25 Prelims Card (6 p.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Lyman Good vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

185 lbs.: Alessio Di Chirico vs. Rafael Natal

170 lbs.: Ryan LaFlare vs. Alex Oliveira

265 lbs.: Chase Sherman vs. Damian Grabowski

UFC on FOX 25 Prelims On Fight Pass (4 p.m. ET):

145 lbs.: Kyle Bochniak vs. Jeremy Kennedy

135 lbs.: Brian Kelleher vs. Marlon Vera

265 lbs.: Junior Albini vs. Timothy Johnson

145 lbs.: Shane Burgos vs. Godofredo Pepey

155 lbs.: Frankie Perez vs. Chris Wade

For more upcoming UFC events click here.