A fight between UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega has been reported for UFC 260, and much, much more — Fightful has all the latest fight announcements in one article.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega title fight planned for UFC 260
The next title defense for UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is booked against Brian Ortega for UFC 260 on March 27, according to a report from ESPN's Ariel Helwani. The UFC has yet to make an official announcement for the fight, but the hope is for the featherweight title bout to serve as the co-main event of the card. The event is expected to be headlined by a heavyweight title rematch between champion Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou. Volkanovski himself even hinted at the likelihood of the fight, telling ESPN the following.
"A fresh challenge in Ortega 2.0," Volkanovski said. "2021 is my year, what a way to get it rolling."
Steven Peterson out, Collin Anglin steps in to face Seungwoo Choi at UFC Vegas 18
UFC featherweight Steven Peterson has been forced to withdraw from his upcoming bout with Seungwoo Choi at UFC Vegas 18 on February 6, telling BJPenn.com's Cole Shelton he suffered an undisclosed injury that will require four to six weeks of recovery. Dana White Contender's Series alum Collin Anglin will step in for Peterson to face Choi, first reported by Korean news outlet SpoTV. UFC Vegas 18 will be headlined by a bout between heavyweight contenders Alistair Overeem and Alexander Volkov.
Collin Anglin is SWINGING in round 3! --
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) September 16, 2020
-- #DWCS is live on @UFCFightPass & TSN 2 in Canada! pic.twitter.com/rJl9RqB0W8
Zubaira Tukhugov vs. Ricardo Ramos reportedly booked for UFC Fight Night 187
A featherweight bout between Zubaira Tukhugov and Ricardo Ramos is in the works for UFC Fight Night 187 on March 13, first reported by TASS' Igor Lazorin. Tukhugov is coming off of a split-decision loss to Hakeem Dawodu at UFC 253, a fight in which he missed weight. Ramos on the other hand is 1-1 since returning to the 145-pound division, most recently losing to Lerone Murphy via a first-round TKO stoppage at UFC Fight Island 1.
Croatian's Francisco Barrio and Daniel Bazant added to KSW 58
Croatian duo Franciso Barrio and Daniel Bazant have been added to KSW 58 on January 30 the promotion announced via their Twitter account. Barrio will take on Polish fighter Bartlomiej Kopera in a lightweight bout, while Bazant making his promotional debut will face undefeated Polish prospect Robert Ruchala. The event which will be held in Lodz, Poland is expected to be headlined by a bout between former Olympic gold medalist Szymon Kolecki and Martin Zawada.
UFC veteran Francisco Rivera returns at XMMA against Ryan Lilley
After a four-year USADA suspension former UFC bantamweight fighter and MMA veteran, Francisco Rivera makes his return to active competition against Bellator alum Ryan Lilley in a featherweight bout for XMMA. The event takes place on January 30 from the Palm Beach Convention Center in Palm Beach, Florida, and will stream live online at the promotion's website.
Rivera who last competed at UFC 201 in July of 2016 fought 11 times in the Octagon, going 4-6-1 in his time with the promotion and fighting the likes of Urijah Faber, John Lineker, and Brad Pickett. Rivera spoke with MMAJunkie in April of 2020 about making his return to the sport.
“I know I can still put on great shows,” Rivera said. “I’m definitely one of the best bantamweight fighters who ever fought in the UFC that, the way I fight. I’m always looking for a knockout. I’m always looking for excitement. I’m never one to put on a boring fight and I think now would be the best time to make a comeback to the UFC because fans love the way I fight – especially now. I feel like it’s more entertainment now.”
Guram Kutateladze vs. Don Madge planned for UFC Fight Night 187
A lightweight matchup between Guram Kutateladze and Don Madge has been added to UFC Fight Night 187 on March 13, according to a report from MMAJunkie's Farah Hannoun and Mike Bohn. The promotion has yet to officially confirm the bout, with the event scheduled to be headlined by welterweights Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev. Kutateladze is a teammate of Chimaev's and will look to have a winning night alongside his training partner come March.
Guram Kutateladze (@guram_dze) had @KChimaev in his corner for his "Fight of the Night" debut on Saturday, and it's clear the two have a special friendship. --#UFCFightIsland6 Full interview: https://t.co/zlrSe3kl4m pic.twitter.com/Y9mPtv0V5u
— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) October 18, 2020
Modestas Bukauskas-Michael Oleksiejczuk matchup on tap for UFC 260
Light heavyweight prospects Modestas Bukauskas and Michael Oleksiejczuk will clash at UFC 260 on March 27, this first reported by MMAFighting's Mike Heck. The fight is yet to be officially announced by the promotion and no location is set yet for the event. Bukauskas will look to bounce back from a first-round knockout loss at the hands of Jimmy Crute at UFC Fight Island 6. Oleksiejczuk also is coming off a first-round loss to Crute back at UFC Fight Night 168 via submission due to a kimura.
ICYMI: @CruteJim dropped THE HAMMER on Modestas Bukauskas ---- #UFCFightIsland6
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) October 18, 2020
(-- @ufc)pic.twitter.com/7zKVm8RYbf
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