Everything you need to know about UFC 264

UFC 264 features the final chapter of the Poirier/McGregor rivalry and several bouts with future title implications. Here's everything you need to know (but may have been afraid to ask) about this heavily-hyped mixed martial arts event.

Where is UFC 264 happening?

UFC 264 is scheduled for Saturday, July 10 at 10:00 PM ET. The event will be taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

The main card will air as an ESPN+ pay-per-view, with preliminary bouts available to existing ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass subscribers.

Who is on the main card of UFC 264?

What should fans expect on fight night?

UFC 264 is headlined by the return of Conor McGregor as he seeks to avenge his January loss to Dustin Poirier. Poirier stopped McGregor in the second round, avenging a first round loss McGregor inflicted on him seven year prior.

Gilbert Burns and Stephen Thompson face off in a welterweight title eliminator in hopes of narrowing down Kamaru Usman’s next opponent.

Also, fan favorites such as Greg Hardy, Irene Aldana, and Sean O’Malley will appear on the main card. This will also serve as the first UFC fight in Las Vegas now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.

Conor McGregor’s legacy is on the line

Without looking, can you tell me the biggest win of Conor McGregor’s career? Though McGregor is MMA royalty, there is a sense of urgency ahead of his rematch with Dustin Poirier that may determine his legacy.

McGregor has devastated the unworthy, but lost in big fights that would have sealed him as an all-time great instead of a generational one. With time no longer on his side and the lifestyle of the rich and famous whittling his competitive spirit, McGregor is in a must-win situation here. Another loss at the elite level will surely compromise McGregor’s legacy, ultimately establishing him as a great fighter who could never win the big one.

Poirier/McGregor III winner must face Charles Oliveira next

The UFC made a mistake in not making Poirier/McGregor II for the vacant lightweight title, but the consolation prize was Oliveira’s epic win against Michael Chandler. Rest assured, Oliveira is watching this fight closely, and he’ll fight the winner by the end of the year.

Though the UFC could give Oliveira a filler opponent, there is no better time to settle the lightweight title picture once and for all. Be it Poirier or McGregor, Oliveira is going to have a tough time defending his title against either man.

Will "Wonderboy" land a title shot?

Stephen Thompson is two fights removed from a three-fight skid that may have signaled his end as a top contender, but his fortunes have changed. Since dropping three straight, Thompson has won two in a row and may finally land a title fight should he dispatch the formidable Gilbert Burns.

Thompson has been a fan favorite due to his vicious strikes, but the clock is ticking for the 38-year-old, and Burns will be no walk in the park. If Thompson manages to outlast Burns, he’ll be a suitable, yet overmatched challenger for Kamaru Usman.

O’Malley is taking a backwards step in competition

Sean O’Malley’s fight on the main card may be in jeopardy, but its potential cancellation might be for the best. Nothing against Louis Smolka, but O’Malley shouldn’t be reaching so far down the bantamweight rankings when he’s inching towards a title shot.

While O’Malley did suffer a scary injury a few fights back, he shouldn’t be protected with selective matchmaking. At this point, O’Malley should be facing tested foes and veterans and not staying motivated against meandering opponents.

Tuivasa vs. Hardy should be a dogfight

The Tuivasa/Hardy fight is a big ol' nothingburger when it comes to future fight implications, but this hoss fight might steal the show. Both men have shown their limitations in terms of their development, but when equally matched bruisers with no ground game face off, it’s a guaranteed recipe for madness.

This bout isn’t going to impress those who watch MMA for the sport, but it could very well be the fight of the night.