Alistair Overeem vs. Curtis Blaydes Shifts to Prelims in UFC 225 Reshuffle

Some changes have been made to the UFC 225 fight card lineup with a new bout now headlining the prelims airing on FS1.

The heavyweight bout between Alistair Overeem and Curtis Blaydes will now headline the preliminary broadcast for UFC 225 on Saturday night, June 9 from Chicago.

The women’s featherweight bout between Holly Holm and Megan Anderson has now been shifted from the prelims to the main card for the UFC 225 pay-per-view broadcast.

Originally, Holm vs. Anderson was slated to headline the prelims but the UFC opted to make a move with the women’s fight shifting to the UFC 225 main card.

Both Overeem and Blaydes reacted to the news that they will now headline the preliminary card for UFC 225 versus their previous spot on the main card.

For the record I have no problem with the decision because now people in Europe don't have to stay up late and the sooner the better.

— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) May 20, 2018

??‍♂️ we’re still getting paid right https://t.co/CU8QzHUIa0

— Curtis Blaydes (@RazorBlaydes265) May 20, 2018

With the UFC currently in negotiations on a new television rights deal, it’s not surprising that the promotion has chosen to stack the preliminary card with a high profiled featured bout such as Overeem vs. Blaydes. The UFC is reportedly offering up the preliminary cards for their pay-per-view broadcasts as part of the package deal for their television rights that begin in 2019.

Meanwhile, a light heavyweight showdown between former champion Rashad Evans and Anthony Smith will now headline the UFC 225 early prelims broadcast airing on UFC Fight Pass.