Rafael Dos Anjos will face Tony Ferguson in a five-round lightweight clash in the headline bout of the UFC’s event at Mexico City’s Arena Ciudad de Mexico on Saturday, November 5.
UFC Europe relayed confirmation of the fight on Wednesday:
Brazilian Dos Anjos lost his UFC lightweight title to Eddie Alvarez back in July and will face an in-form Ferguson—the American has won eight fights on the bounce—as he looks to return to winning ways.
Dos Anjos, 31, claimed the belt with his victory over Anthony Pettis at UFC 185 last year and beat Donald Cerrone in brilliant fashion in his first defence before his first-round knockout loss to Alvarez.
He was scheduled to fight Conor McGregor back in March but pulled out 11 days before with a foot injury.
The 32-year-old Ferguson has put himself firmly in contention for a title shot with four submission victories in his last five fights, most recently beating Lando Vannata with a Brabo choke in July.
As the No. 3 contender in the UFC‘s lightweight division—Dos Anjos is No. 2—Ferguson was seen as one of the top candidates to fight Alvarez in his first title defence, per MMAJunkie.
The Californian, though, will now have to get through at least one more fight to finally be given a title shot.
His scheduled clash with Dos Anjos is surely as good as a title eliminator to fight for the lightweight belt, with undefeated No. 1 contender Khabib Nurmagomedov likely Alvarez’s next opponent.
The Russian recently called Alvarez out on Instagram after the American questioned his record:
The UFC’s lightweight division is currently packed with quality and Dos Anjos’ clash with Ferguson in Mexico is sure to be a fascinating occasion.
It will take a huge effort from the former champ to beat a rampant Ferguson—who has lost only once in his UFC career—and put himself back in the frame to compete for the title.
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