Thiago Santos vs. Magomed Ankalaev in the works for UFC main event on March 12

A matchup of light heavyweight contenders Thiago Santos and Magomed Ankalaev is expected to headline UFC Fight Night on March 12.

MMA Junkie verified with multiple people close to the situation that Santos (22-9 MMA, 14-8 UFC) and Ankalaev (16-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) have agreed to the matchup, following an initial report from ESPN. The people requested anonymity because UFC has yet to make an official announcement.

UFC Fight Night on March 12 does not have an announced location or venue. Broadcast plans for the bout are unknown.

Santos, No. 13 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie light heavyweight rankings, is coming off an important unanimous decision win over Johnny Walker at UFC Fight Night 193 in October. The result snapped a three-fight losing skid for the 37-year-old Brazilian, which started with a split decision loss to Jon Jones in a title fight in July 2019.

No. 14-ranked Ankalaev, meanwhile, will look to continue his climb towards a first UFC title opportunity. The 29-year-old has won seven consecutive fights, including a unanimous decision over Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 267 in October.