After the highly-anticipated Welterweight scrap between Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev — which was set to headline UFC Vegas 17 on Dec. 19, 2020 — was scrapped due to “Rocky” testing positive for COVID-19, the promotion has announced the new headliner.
According to MMA Fighting, the 170-pound matchup between Stephen Thompson and Geoff Neal will now be the five-round main event, while Edwards vs Chimaev is expected to take place at a later date.
Thompson is coming off a win over Stephen Luque at UFC 244 over a year ago, snapping his two-fight losing streak. The former two-time title contender hasn’t won back-to-back fights since 2015-2016. As for Neal, he is undefeated so far inside the Octagon, winning all five of his bouts, four of them finishes.
Despite losing the original headliner, UFC Vegas 17 still features several intriguing bouts, including Jose Aldo taking on Chito Vera at Featherweight, as well as Marlon Moraes facing Rob Font at Bantamweight. Also, Michel Pereira will take on Khaos Williams, while Anthony Pettis will face Alex Morono at Welterweight.
To see the rest of the stacked card click here.