A new Bantamweight setting is set for the UFC’s return to Vegas on memorial day weekend.
T.J. Dillashaw (9-2) will meet Takeya Mizugaki (19-7-2) in a match-up with Bantamweight title implications in May at UFC 173. The contest was announced by UFC officials early this week.
Takeya Mizugaki vs T. Dillashaw slotted for UFC 173 in Las Vegas
UFC 173 takes place on May 24th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Headlined by a Middleweight title match-up between champ Chris Weidman and challenger Lyoto Machida, the main card airs LIVE on PPV following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.
Dillashaw (pictured) was seen by many as the next challenger to Renan Barao’s throne, after his dominant victory over Mike Easton at UFC Fight Night 35. But it now looks like he will have to get past Mizugaki in May first, before talks of a possible title shot can continue. Dillashaw, a representative of Team Alpha Male, is on a 5-1 run with three stoppages. He was a finalist on Season 14 of “The Ultimate Fighter”.
Mizugaki, on the other hand, is a former WEC staple, riding high on a four-fight winning streak. Prior to his recent pair of split and unanimous decision victories, he entered the octagon with a 2-2 record. The Japanese vet is known to be a handful for any UFC fighter on the 135-lbs roster, with thirteen of the 30-year-old’s nineteen victories coming via decision
The current UFC 173 fight card includes:
- Chris Weidman vs. Lyoto Machida
- T.J. Dillashaw vs. Takeya Mizugaki
- James Krause vs. Jamie Varner
- Chris Holdsworth vs. Kyung Ho Kang
- Al Iaquinta vs. Mitch Clarke
- Doo Ho Choi vs. Sam Sicilia
- Michael Chiesa vs. Francisco Trinaldo
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