Holly Holm vs. Julianna Pena is in the works for a UFC fight night, plus Gregor Gillespie's long-awaited return — all this and more in your fight announcement roundup.
Holly Holm vs. Julianna Pena targeted for May 8 UFC Card
Holly Holm and Julianna Pena have agreed to meet at a UFC Fight Night card on May 8. The women's bantamweight clash was first reported by ESPN's Brett Okamoto. Holm (14-5) is coming off a unanimous decision win vs. Irene Aldana in October. Pena (10-4) bounced back from a technical submission loss to Germaine de Randamie with a third-round submission finish of Sara McMann in January.
Gregor Gillespie vs. Brad Riddell on March 20
Gregor Gillespie (13-1) looks to bounce back from his first professional loss with an upcoming match-up vs. Brad Riddell at UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Holland, according to a report from Christopher Reive. The card is scheduled for March 20 and will take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gillespie has not competed since a first-round knockout loss to Kevin Lee in November 2019. Riddell (9-1) looks for his fourth consecutive UFC win after a decision win vs. Alex da Silva Coelho at UFC 253.
Mario Bautista steps up to the plate
Mario Bautista (8-1) is stepping in on short notice to fight Trevin Jones (12-6, 1NC) at UFC 259 on March 6, according to MMA Junkie. Bautista will replace Randy Costa who was forced to pull out of the fight.
Thank you for all the continued love and support. Just a small bump in the road.
— Randy Costa (@RandyCosta135) February 15, 2021
I’ll be good for May and intend/hope to be fighting then.
-------- pic.twitter.com/A8k30BNDcp
UFC books Tony Gravely vs. Nate Maness
Bantamweight Tony Gravely and Nate Maness are set to clash at a UFC Fight Night event on April 17. MMA Junkie reported the match-up which will be featured on a card headlined by Robert Whitaker vs. Paulo Costa. Gravely (20-6) is 1-1 in the Octagon; meanwhile, Maness is a perfect 2-0 under the promotion's banner.
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