Islam Makhachev looks to have a return opponent and date finally targeted — Fightful has you covered on this story and a number of other significant bout announcements all in one convenient place.
Islam Makhachev vs. Drew Dober targeted for UFC 259
Islam Makhachev will look to continue his path towards a title shot after it was halted when he tested positive for COVID-19 days before his main event bout with Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Vegas 14. MMAFighting's Alexander K. Lee and Damon Martin reported that Makhachev is in talks to return at UFC 259 on March 6 against fellow top 15 lightweight Drew Dober.
Makhachev is on a six-fight win streak currently with his most recent win coming over Davi Ramos via a unanimous decision back at UFC 242. Dober is 6-1 in his last seven fights and has finished his last three opponents within the first two rounds.
Nik Lentz vs. Mike Grundy on deck for January 16
Featherweights Nik Lentz and Mike Grundy will meet on January 16. The UFC confirmed the fight with the following tweet on their UFC Europe page.
Kicking off 2021!@MGWRESTLING faces @NikLentz on Jan 16 next year! pic.twitter.com/uv6Of7uRja
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) December 11, 2020
Lentz's last win came in February of 2019 at UFC on ESPN 1 over Scott Holtzman by a decision. Grundy last fought over the summer, losing a decision to Movsar Evloev at UFC on ESPN 14.
Brady-Matthews in the works for UFC 259
A fantastic welterweight matchup between Sean Brady and Jake Matthews is being targeted for UFC 259 on March 6 according to a report from MMAFighting's Mike Heck. Brady (13-0) is 3-0 in his UFC stint thus far, submitting Christian Aguilera via a guillotine choke at UFC Vegas 8. Matthews is 6-1 since returning to 170 pounds back in 2017. He recently beat Diego Sanchez in a one-sided decision at UFC 253.
Drakkar Klose-Jai Herbert matchup signed for February 20
A fun lightweight clash will happen at a yet to be announced UFC event on February 20. MMAJunkie's Simon Head and Farah Hannoun reported that Drakkar Klose and Jai Herbert have been booked for the event. Both will look to bounce back from knockout losses to Beneil Dariush and Francisco Trinaldo, respectively.
OH MY GOODNESS --
— UFC (@ufc) December 10, 2020
Let us know who should join @BeneilDariush as a Comeback of the Year nominee!
[ -- #UFCHonors Presented by @ToyoTires ] pic.twitter.com/lGHcGW9xG6
Matt Schnell vs. Tyson Nam on again for January 20
Matt Schnell and Tyson Nam will have to wait a little longer to lock horns inside the Octagon. MMAJunkie's Farah Hannoun and Nolan King reported the flyweight matchup was moved once again, this time to January 20 at an upcoming UFC fight night event. Schnell is coming off a first-round knockout loss to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC Fight Night 165, while Nam is coming off consecutive wins by stoppages against Zarrukah Adashev and Jerome Rivera.
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