One-time UFC title challenger Marlon Moraes returns against the surging Merab Dvalishvili this fall.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans told MMA Fighting that the matchup between the two bantamweights is being targeted for UFC 266 on Sept. 25. The bout was first announced by Dvalishvili’s coach, Ray Longo, during an appearance on the Anik & Florian Podcast.
Moraes (23-8-1), show is also a former WSOF champion, looks to get back into the win column after suffering back-to-back TKO losses in fights against Cory Sandhagen and Rob Font this past year. Prior to that, the Brazilian welcomed former featherweight champion Jose Aldo to the 135-pound division and won a narrow split decision.
Dvalishvili (13-4) currently is on a six-fight winning streak. In his most recent contest, the Georgian fighter edged Cody Stamann at UFC Vegas 25 in May. Prior to that, he dominated John Dodson, Gustavo Lopez, Casey Kenney, Brad Katona, and Terrion Ware. His 13 takedowns against Lopez are the most in a single fight in UFC bantamweight history.