A pivotal flyweight clash is set for the UFC’s July 18 event.
Alexandre Pantoja (22-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) will take on Askar Askarov (11-0-1 MMA, 1-0-1 UFC) at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi – also known as “Fight Island.” MMA Junkie confirmed the matchup following an initial social media post by Askarov.
Winner of four of his last five, Pantoja is coming off a “Performance of the Night” knockout of Matt Schnell last December. Pantoja will also serve as the backup for the flyweight title fight between Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez that will also feature on the July 18 card.
Former ACB flyweight champion Askarov extended his unbeaten record with a unanimous decision win over Tim Elliott at UFC 246 in January. The win represented his first victory under the UFC banner following a split draw with Brandon Moreno on his promotional debut at UFC on ESPN+ 17 in September 2019.
With the addition of Askarov vs. Pantoja, the current July 18 lineup includes:
- Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Joseph Benavidez – for vacant UFC flyweight title
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Jack Hermansson
- Marc Diakiese vs. Alan Patrick
- Askar Askarov vs. Alexandre Pantoja
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Askar Askarov added to UFC's July 18 event in Abu Dhabi