Hakeem Dawodu vs. Zubaira Tukhugov targeted for UFC 253

(Editor’s note: A prior version of this story incorrectly stated UFC 252 as the targeted event; it’s UFC 253 and has been updated.)

A featherweight fight is in the works for the UFC’s September pay-per-view.

The promotion is currently targeting a fight pinning Canada’s Hakeem Dawodu and Russia’s Zubaira Tukhugov against each other at UFC 253. A location and date is still to be determined.

Two people with knowledge of the situation recently informed MMA Junkie of the targeted booking but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an announcement.

Dawodu (11-1-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) is riding a four-fight winning streak entering his UFC 253 matchup. Since losing his promotional debut to Danny Henry in March 2018, Dawodu has defeated Austin Arnett, Kyle Bochniak, Yoshinori Horie, and Julio Arce in succession.

Tukhugov (19-4-1 MMA, 4-1-1 UFC), a main training partner and friend of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, will look to turn a win into a winning streak. He is 1-1-1 in his most recent three outings. In February, Tukhugov punched his ticket back into the win column when he knocked out Kevin Aguilar in 3:21.