Chase Sherman is back.
After three-straight wins on the regional scene, Sherman (14-6 MMA, 2-4 UFC) returns to the UFC to face Fury FC double champion Ike Villanueva (16-9 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
Two people with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie of the booking on Friday. The people asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.
The event takes place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. White said the cards will air live on ESPN, with the preliminary cards streamed live on ESPN+.
Sherman, 30, competed in the UFC from 2016 to 2018. After losing his first two fight under the promotion’s banner, Sherman gained much popularity through his UFC 211 classic against Rashad Coulter. After winning his next fight against Damian Grabowski, Sherman lost three straight fights to Shamil Abdurakhimov, Justin Willis, and Augusto Sakai en route to his UFC exit.
A professional since 2008, there were times where it seemed like Villanueva may remain a regional journeyman. However, Villanueva has only suffered one loss since his 2016 defeat to Trevin Giles. Since then, Villanueva has gone 5-1 with wins over UFC veterans Roger Narvaez and Rashad Coulter. Currently the Fury FC light heavyweight champion, Villanueva, 36, has finished four straight fights by first-round knockout.
The complete May 13 lineup includes:
- Anthony Smith vs. Glover Teixeira
- Ben Rothwell vs. Ovince Saint Preux
- Drew Dober vs. Alexander Hernandez
- Ray Borg vs. Ricky Simon
- Karl Roberson vs. Marvin Vettori
- Andrei Arlovski vs. Philipe Lins
- Michael Johnson vs. Thiago Moises
- Sijara Eubanks vs. Sarah Moras
- Hunter Azure vs. Brian Kelleher
- Chase Sherman vs. Ike Villanueva
