A bantamweight division attraction has been added to the forthcoming UFC 227 card according to Lance Pugmire of the LA Times at Benito Lopez faces Ricky Simon.
Lopez (9-0-0) has already picked up one victory under the UFC banner, which came over Albert Morales via decision at UFC Fight Night Fresno. Lopez also competed on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series Episode 7, defeating Steven Peterson by split decision. Lopez also competed once in the Bellator MMA promotion, defeating Oscar Ramirez by unanimous decision at Bellator 115, which also served as Lopez’s professional MMA debut.
Simon (13-1-0) is also undefeated thus far in UFC competition, having defeated Merab Dvalishvili in his UFC debut by third round submission at UFC Fight Night Atlantic City. Simon also fought on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series Episode 5, defeating Donovan Frelow by split decision. Simon is a former LFA Bantamweight Champion, defeating UFC veteran Chico Camus by unanimous decision at LFA 29 to claim the gold.
UFC 227 takes place on Saturday, August 4 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California with TJ Dillashaw and Cody Garbrandt headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
