Dana White’s Contender Series lightweight prospect Nikolas Motta will make his UFC debut on May 8 opposite Bosnia’s Damir Hadzovic, multiple sources with knowledge of the booking told MMA Fighting following a report from MMA DNA.
Motta (12-3) is a former Cage Fury FC lightweight titleholder who earned his spot in the UFC with a decision victory over Joseph Lowry at a Contender Series show this past November. A contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4, Motta is on a three-fight winning streak.
Hadzovic (13-6) scored back-to-back wins over Nick Hein and Polo Reyes under the UFC banner prior to defeats to Christos Giagos and Renato Moicano in his most recent octagon appearances in 2019 and 2020. Hadzovic’s overall UFC record stands at 3-4 with two of those wins coming by way of knockout.
The UFC has yet to announce the headlining attraction for its May 8 event, as well as its location. The Fight Night show currently includes Donald Cerrone vs. Diego Sanchez, Holly Holm vs. Julianna Pena, and Roxanne Modafferi vs. Taila Santos, among other matchups.