Two of the best bantamweights in the world will meet early next year, potentially with a title shot on the line.
Marlon “Chito” Vera will face Cory Sandhagen in the main event of UFC Fight Night on Feb. 18 in Las Vegas, the UFC announced Friday on social media. Sources told ESPN that bout agreements have been sent out and both sides are set to sign them shortly.
ESPN has Vera ranked No. 3 and Sandhagen at No. 6 in its divisional rankings.
Vera (20-7-1) has won four straight, most recently a head-kick knockout win over former champion Dominick Cruz. The Ecuador-born fighter has not lost a fight since December 2020 against legend Jose Aldo. Vera, 30, has won 10 of his past 12 fights overall.
Sandhagen (15-4) is coming off a fourth-round TKO win over Song Yadong in September. The Colorado-based fighter snapped a two-fight losing streak with that victory. Sandhagen, 30, has won eight of his 11 fights in the UFC.