A huge fight in the lightweight division is headed to Mexico City on Nov. 5, with Champions.co reporting confirmation of a rumored bout between now-former champ Rafael dos Anjos and top contender Tony Ferguson for “The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 3” Finale.
The bout is expected to serve as the five-round headliner for the event, likely airing on Fox Sports 1.
Dos Anjos lost the title last month to Eddie Alvarez, getting battered up against the cage until the referee stepped in to stop the fight. It was a shocking upset, halting a five-fight winning streak for dos Anjos and ending his reign atop the lightweight division after just one successful title defense.
As for Ferguson, the winner of TUF 13 has been trying to secure a spot among the elite, and he’s now finally got a fight which could provide him that status. The 32-year-old has won eight straight fights in the division, 11 of 12 overall in the UFC, and he’s finished eight opponents in that stretch. He’s after a title fight, and beating the former champion in a main event may bring that opportunity.
No other fights have yet been scheduled for the Nov. 5 event, which will be the UFC’s third event in Mexico City and fourth overall, having last run an event in the country in November of last year.
Penick’s Analysis: It’s a hell of a fight in the 155 lb. division, and almost assuredly means Khabib Nurmagomedov will be the first one to challenge Eddie Alvarez this fall. Of course, a win by Nate Diaz over Conor McGregor could make him an attractive choice as title contender, and conversely a win by McGregor could make him rekindle a desire to capture his second belt. The UFC needs him to fight Jose Aldo again, though, so that would still leave Nurmagomedov as the option. At any rate, the winner of this fight is right there in the mix, and if Ferguson wants to prove he belongs in a title fight, beating a former champion is certainly one way to accomplish that.
[Photo (c) Joe Camporeale via USA Today Sports]
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