The action set for UFC 171 continues to heat up with word that Dennis Bermudez will take on Jimmy Hettes in a featherweight bout, while Jessica Andrade will take on TUF 18 winner Julianna Pena in a women’s bantamweight clash.

UFC officials announced the bouts earlier today.

Hettes-Bermudez, Pena-Andrade announced for UFC 171

Jimy “The Kid” Hettes (11-1) returned to the UFC this past October, after a spending over a year on the sidelines due to injury. After successfully choking Rob Whiteford into unconciousness at UFC Fight Night 30, Hettes set himself up for an opponent a little higher up the food chain. Will he be able to continue his ascent with a win over Bermudez?

Dennis “The Menace” Bermudez (12-3) has been on a tear since losing to Diego Brandao at the TUF 14 Finale back in 2011. Since then, he has been on a 5 fight winning streak, slowly building his name and making his way up the card. Will he be able to get the signature win he needs to crack into the Top 10 against Hettes?

“The Venezuelan Vixen” Julianna Pena (5-2) was – realistically – the dark horse of Team Tate going in to TUF 18. However, she repeatedly proved the naysayers wrong by defeating Shayna Baszler and Sarah Moras en route to winning in the finals against Jessica Rakoczy. The hard-nosed Pena will look to continue to prove the faith placed in her by coach Miesha Tate is deserved. Will she make another statement with a win over the Brazilian Andrade?

Jessica “Bate Estaca” Andrade (10-3) is also coming into this fight off of her first official UFC win, a unanimous decision victory over the durable Rosi Sexton. The well-rounded 22 year-old will be looking to continue her winning ways at UFC 171. Will she do so with a victory over Pena?

UFC 171 goes down on March 15th at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas. The main event will see a new UFC Welterweight Champion crowned when heavy hitters Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler square off. Stay tuned to MMASucka for more on this and other events.