Get ready for some furious flyweight fisticuffs, as exciting 125-pounders John Dodson and John Moraga are set to meet in a featured UFC Fight Night bout on June 7 in Albuquerque, N.M.
Dodson (15-6) is coming off a Knockout of the Night-winning victory over Darrell Montague at UFC 166 on Dec. 28, while Moraga (14-2) earned a split decision over Dustin Ortiz on Jan. 15 in his last outing.
This fight, which UFC officials announced Wednesday, is a rematch of a December 2010 tilt that saw Dodson win a unanimous decision over Moraga at a Nemesis Fighting event in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Both men are looking to get back into title contention after 2013 losses to current champ Demetrious Johnson.
The event is the first the UFC has held in Albuquerque and will be headlined by a lightweight bout between former champion Benson Henderson and rising contender Rustam Khabilov.
A bantamweight bout between Yaotzin Meza and Sergio Pettis has also been added to the card. Meza is a training partner of Henderson, while Pettis is the younger brother of current lightweight champ Anthony Pettis.
Streaking middleweights collide
Impressive middleweight prospects Sean Strickland and TUF 17 veteran Luke Barnatt are slated to fight at UFC Fight Night: Mousasi vs Munoz May 31 in Berlin.
Strickland (14-0) was successful in his UFC debut, submitting Bubba McDaniel in the first round of their UFC 171 preliminary bout.
“From what I have seen from Luke, I predict this is going to be a long war between two talented fighters,” Strickland said in a UFC press release. “I expect us to both take risks and try to finish the fight. In the end I will come out on top and will remain undefeated.”
Barnatt (8-0) has continued to improve since a stint on TUF 17 and is coming off a first-round TKO of Mats Nilsson.
“When I get the knockout and end this young man’s dream, at least he can take warmth in the fact he has a stamp on his passport and can enjoy the beautiful city of Berlin,” Barnatt said. “I’m ready.”
The Berlin event is the first time the UFC has returned to Germany since 2010. Middleweights Gegard Mousasi and Mark Munoz headline the event.
