Resurrection Fighting Alliance will crown a new flyweight champion.
Former champion Zach Makovsky vacated the belt to sign with the UFC, and Matt Manzanares, who fought him for the inaugural title in 2013, will have another chance to win the gold on April 11 when he takes on Leandro Higo, the RFA announced on Wednesday.
RFA 14 takes place at the City of Cheyenne Ice and Events Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and airs live on AXS TV. The co-main event will feature the return of undefeated prospect Raoni Barcelos (7-0) against knockout artist Mark Dickman (8-1), and the winner will fight for the RFA lightweight title next.
Manzanares (6-2) looks to get back to the win column after losing to Makovsky in November. Prior to the decision loss, Manzanares scored back-to-back finishes over Steve Swanson and Kevin Gray under the RFA banner.
“I’m ecstatic to be fighting for the RFA world title in my hometown in front of all of my friends and family,” Manzanares stated. “Leandro Higo is a very well-rounded fighter from a great camp. His jiu-jitsu is really good, but he’s also very aggressive and likes to bang, which plays more into my favor. I feel very blessed for this opportunity. RFA sees something in me and they believe in me. I want to prove them right by winning the world title right here in Cheyenne.”
After building a 13-2 record in Brazil, Higo cuts down to 125 pounds for his international debut riding a four-fight win streak. A member of Patricio Freire’s team in Natal, the former Coliseu Extreme Fight bantamweight champion has eight submissions and two knockouts in his resume.
“RFA is a great event and I hope to be very successful in it. I believe I can get a great exposure and the recognition of people and fighters all around the world by winning the belt,” Higo stated. “I know Matt Manzanares is a skilled fighter and was able to go five rounds with Zach Makovsky for RFA’s title. I’m sure we’ll have a great fight.”