An upcoming UFC featherweight bout between former lightweight contender Kenny Florian (14-5) and Diego Nunes (16-1) will apparently be for a title shot according to Nune’s coach André Pederneiras.
Both men will meet on June 11 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at the upcoming UFC 131 event. It will be the featherweight debut for Florian, who drops down to 145 lbs after a #1 contender loss to Gray Maynard at UFC 118. Nunes has won three straight, winning his UFC debut on Jan. 1st against Mike Brown at UFC 125.
In an interview with Nunes coach coach at Nova União, Pederneiras confirmed the fight with Florian to Tatame.com but also stated that both men would be fighting for a shot at the title. The only stipulation being for Nunes at least, was that if Jose Aldo was still the featherweight champ, then they would turn down the fight.
“We’ve got the contract here, we’ve signed it and we’re sending it today for UFC. The winner of this bout will have a title shot. But, if Diego wins, he’ll only fight for the belt if it’s not on Junior’s hands.”
Aldo is currently scheduled to meet Mark Hominick in the co-main event of UFC 129 on April 30. A win by Hominick would certainly net him a fight with either Nunes or Florian, while a win for Aldo would appear to force the UFC to find a new top contender if this all proves true.