Grading Every Matchup on the UFC 249 Fight Card

Incredibly, it seems that professional fighting won't miss a beat with Dana White fully intending to put on UFC 249, even working to secure a deal to host such events on a private island. There are still numerous hurdles to overcome, but should the card become finalized, it'll be a night full of entertainment. With numerous great fights lined up on April 18, including one for the interim Lightweight championship, here's a look at all 12 fights scheduled for the card and our grades for each of them!

Light Heavyweight: Ryan Spann vs. Sam Alevy

Ryan Spann could be a future contender in the Light Heavyweight division after winning his first three fights in the UFC. "Superman" has 11 submissions out of his 17 wins, and could very well earn a performance bonus for his grappling expertise against the veteran Sam Alevy. An intriguing fight to start the card.

FIGHT GRADE: B

Women's Bantamweight: Sijara Eubanks vs. Sarah Moras

Eubanks, who is on a two-fight losing streak, could be fighting for her spot in the UFC. Moras won her last fight back in September, and could work her way in to the rankings with another victory.

FIGHT GRADE: D

Lightweight: Michael Johnson vs Khama Worthy

Michael Johnson is a popular veteran in the lightweight division, and actually beat Tony Ferguson by unanimous decision back in 2012. However, after back-to-back losses, he could be looking at retirement soon, and Khama Worthy, who won his UFC debut by KO back in August, is looking to add a W over a big-name fighter to his resume.

FIGHT GRADE: B

Bantamweight: Marlon Vera vs. Ray Borg

This is another matchup between a fighter looking to carry momentum and a veteran looking to show the organization he's still got it. Marlon Vera has yet to be knocked out in his career and is riding a five-fight winning streak. Ray Borg, 2-2 in his last four fights, is looking to show he can still return to his title-challenging form.

FIGHT GRADE: C

Middleweight: Uriah Hall vs. Ronaldo Souza

This is definitely one of the fights to keep an eye on, purely because of Uriah Hall. The former "Ultimate Fighter" star has unbelievable knockout power, often times using unbelievable technique to demolish his opponents. While his UFC career has been mixed, he's still a must-watch fighter because of his ability to create highlights.

FIGHT GRADE: A

Heavyweight: Francis Ngannou vs Jarzinho Rozenstruik

Ngannou, the former heavyweight title challenger, is one of the most entertaining fighters in the organization, and his knockout victories are spectacular. With the entire world watching, and the chance to give himself another title shot, I'd be surprised if Ngannou doesn't pick up a KO victory within the first minute. It'll make for some fun viewing.

FIGHT GRADE: A

Featherweight: Jeremy Stephens vs. Calvin Kattar

Despite being ranked at No. 7 in the division, Stephens has not won a UFC since 2018. Calvin Kattar is coming off a tough loss to Zabit Magomedshapirov, but is 8-2 in his last 10 fights. It isn't the flashiest matchup to come out of a talented Featherweight division.

FIGHT GRADE: C

Heavyweight: Greg Hardy vs. Yorgan de Castro

Greg Hardy earned a no contest from a fight because he used an inhaler in between rounds. He isn't technically sound and Dana White is trying his hardest to make him work in the UFC. Let's make this stop.

FIGHT GRADE: F

Women's Strawweight: Rose Namajunas vs. Jessica Andrade

It's a rematch of a controversial title fight, in which Andrade seemed to use an illegal slam to knock out Namajunas and claim the belt. Now with both women looking for a way to earn a title shot again, you can bet the fight will have a championship intensity to it, much to the delight of fight fans everywhere.

FIGHT GRADE: A

Interim Lightweight Championship: Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje

Look, it's extremely disappointing that we have once again been denied a chance to see Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov settle their differences in the octagon. However, Gaethje has a golden opportunity to win himself a championship on short notice. Ferguson will be motivated to make sure he'll get a chance to finally get his hands on Khabib, and Gaethje has the chance to play the ultimate spoiler and claim himself an unlikely victory.

FIGHT GRADE: A