UFC 252
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Mixed martial arts promotion |
| Founded | November 12, 1993 |
| Headquarters | Enterprise, Nevada , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Dana White (President) |
| Products | Mixed martial arts events and promotions |
| Website | www |
UFC 252: Miocic vs. Cormier 3 represented a mixed martial arts contest organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, taking place on August 15, 2020, at the UFC Apex facility located in Enterprise, Nevada, United States.
Background
Initially set to occur at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, this event was delayed and subsequently moved to Nevada due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The main event showcased the third encounter in the UFC Heavyweight Championship saga between two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic and former champion Daniel Cormier, who had also concurrently held the UFC Light Heavyweight championship. Their competitive history started at UFC 226, where Cormier secured the heavyweight championship via a knockout in the first round. Miocic regained the title at UFC 241 by delivering a knockout in round four. Following this fight, Cormier declared his plans to retire from professional competition.
A bantamweight matchup featuring Pedro Munhoz against ex-UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar was postponed multiple times after Munhoz tested positive for COVID-19; it was ultimately shifted to headline UFC on ESPN: Munhoz vs. Edgar.
A rematch in the light heavyweight division between Magomed Ankalaev and Ion Cuțelaba was anticipated but delayed after Cuțelaba contracted COVID-19; their bout was rescheduled for a future card.
Rogério Bontorin withdrew from a scheduled fight with debutant Manel Kape due to an ankle injury; Kape also deferred his UFC debut citing injury concerns.
The light heavyweight contest between Jorge Gonzalez and Ike Villanueva faced postponement because of visa complications, rescheduling their fight for the subsequent week's event.
During weigh-ins, featherweights Herbert Burns and T.J. Brown failed to make weight limits, resulting in catchweight agreements and fines amounting to 20% of their fight purses, which were awarded to their respective opponents, Daniel Pineda and Danny Chavez.
Bonus awards
The following competitors were granted $50,000 bonuses:
- Fight of the Night: Kai Kamaka III vs. Tony Kelley
- Performance of the Night: Daniel Pineda and Virna Jandiroba