The UFC is targeting a lightweight main event between Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev on July 9, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.
Contracts have not been signed, but the UFC is close to finalizing the 155-pound fight. It will headline UFC Fight Night at a location to be determined.
This will be the third time the UFC has booked this particular matchup. The fight was supposed to happen at a UFC Fight Night event in February but was postponed to March. It fell through again in March after Fiziev tested positive for COVID-19.
Dos Anjos (31-13), of Brazil, ended up fighting Renato Moicano in March and won via unanimous decision. The former lightweight champ has won his past two via decision, against Moicano and Paul Felder.
Fiziev (11-1), of Kyrgyzstan, is quickly rising up the lightweight rankings thanks to a five-fight win streak. Most recently, he knocked out Brad Riddell in December.
Dos Anjos and Fiziev are Nos. 6 and 10 in the UFC’s official rankings.