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BKFC heavyweight champion Chase Sherman has rejoined the UFC for the promotion’s run of Jacksonville-based events.
According to MMA Fighting heavyweight Chase Sherman (19-6) is returning to the UFC. Sherman is reportedly facing Ike Villanueva on the promotion’s May 13th card, currently scheduled to take place at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL.
Mississippi’s Sherman debuted for the UFC back in 2016, in a defeat to Justin Ledet. After that, in early 2017, he lost to Walt Harris. Sherman won his next two UFC bouts, versus Rashad Coutler and Damian Grabowski.
After those wins Sherman went on a three fight losing skid; getting stopped by Shamil Abdurakhimov and Augusto Sakai and losing a decision to Justin Willis.
After being released by the UFC Sherman competed three times with the Island Fights promotion. In 2018-19 Sherman scored three TKO victories with that company. Also in 2019 Sherman competed twice for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. In bare knuckle competition he fought to a draw with Sam Shewmaker and defeated Arnold Adams by unanimous decision for the BKFC heavyweight title.
Facing off against the 30-year-old Sherman is a UFC newcomer. Ike Villaneuva, 36, has a 16-9 record. His most recent wins were against former UFC fighters Rashad Coulter and Roger Narvaez in the Fury FC promotion.
The UFC’s currently unnamed May 13th event is expected to be headlined by a light heavyweight clash between Anthony Smith and Glover Teixeira. Also announced for that card is a heavyweight bout between Ben Rothwell and Ovince Saint Preux and a lightweight contest between Alex Hernandez and Drew Dober.