A potential fight between surging featherweight contender Dennis Bermudez and one-time No. 1 contender Ricardo Lamas is being discussed for UFC 180 in November, as the UFC makes its maiden voyage to Mexico.
UFC Tonight reported that the the match-up is being considered, provided that both fighters are ready to go by Nov. 15, when the pay-per-view event is set to take place at Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City. Lamas broke his thumb in the first round of his fight with Hacran Dias at UFC Fight Night TK in June, but he told UFC Tonight’s Ariel Helwani that he should be cleared to resume training in September. That would put him on track to be ready for UFC 180.
The Chicago-based fight Lamas, who is half Mexican, told UFC Tonight that he loves the idea of that fight, but that he has yet to be approached about it. In fact, he called out Bermudez earlier this year. And Bermudez has said in the media that he would be open for that fight, as well.
Bermudez, who was a finalist on The Ultimate Fighter 14, hasn’t lost a fight since the end of 2011. That was in the TUF finale against Diego Brandao. Since then he has won seven bouts in a row, finishing his last two against Jimi Hettes (TKO) and Clay Guida (submission, rear-naked choke).
Lamas fought for the featherweight belt against Jose Aldo at UFC 169 in February, but came up short in his bid, losing a unanimous decision.
Another name that has been talked about to return at UFC 180 is Mexican fighter, Erik Perez. “Goyito,” who trains at Jackson-Winkeljohn’s in Albuqueque, told UFC Tonight that he is working hard to get on that card.
UFC 180 will be headlined by UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum.