UFC lightweight phenom Islam Makhachev was expected to run the 155-pound division by the end of 2021, though I’m not sure that’s a realistic goal unless the promotion books him against a Top 10 opponent.
Instead he’ll get Thiago Moises on July 17, according to ESPN.
Makhachev (19-1), who turns 30 in September, is the winner of seven straight, which includes his UFC 259 submission victory over Drew Dober. As for the 26 year-old Moises (15-4), he quietly put together three straight wins, most recently turning away Alexander Hernandez at UFC Vegas 20.
A city and venue for their “Fight Night” showdown has yet to be revealed.
The 155-pound weight class, widely considered one of the deepest in the promotion, has Makhachev tied with Paul Felder at No. 10. Beating the unranked Moises is unlikely to get the Dagestani grappler any closer to the top, though it stands to reason the Brazilian can land a spot on the board with a “Fight Night” upset.
We’ll find out this summer.