UFC adds Rafael Fiziev vs. Brad Riddell for Dec. 4 Fight Night event

Elite strikers Brad Riddell and Rafael Fiziev will throw down in a matchup of ranked lightweights this December.

Riddell (10-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) will take on Fiziev (10-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night on Dec. 4, expected at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Verbal agreements are in place, according to two people with knowledge of the situation who asked to remain anonymous since the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.

Winner of his past seven in a row, City Kickboxing’s Riddell, No. 12 in the UFC’s official rankings, is coming off his biggest win to date, a unanimous decision over battle-tested Drew Dober at UFC 263 in June, which earned him the “Fight of the Night” bonus.

Since dropping his promotional debut to Magomed Mustafaev, No. 13 Fiziev has been on a role, picking up four consecutive victories. After knocking out Renato Moicano, Fiziev earned his third straight bonus when he defeated Bobby Green by unanimous decision last month at UFC 265.

With the addition, the Dec. 4 lineup includes:

• Alex Perez vs. Matt Schnell
• Claudio Puelles vs. Chris Gruetzemacher
• Rafael Fiziev vs. Brad Riddell