New Mexico will have the opportunity to see one of their own fight live at UFC Rio Rancho this February.
Albuquerque’s Diego Sanchez returns to action when he takes on high-flying Michel Pereira at the Feb. 15 event, according to a press release issued by the promotion Wednesday afternoon.
In his most recent fight at UFC 239 in July, Sanchez (29-12 MMA, 18-12 UFC) had a two-fight winning streak snapped at the hands of Michael Chiesa. The booking against Pereira signifies Sanchez has re-signed with the UFC, since the Chiesa fight was the last on his previous contract.
His opponent, Pereira (23-10 MMA, 1-1 UFC), made a statement in his promotional debut when he flattened Danny Roberts in under two minutes this past May. In his sophomore UFC appearance in September, however, Pereira was defeated by short-notice replacement and massive underdog Tristan Connelly.
UFC Rio Rancho takes place Saturday, Feb. 15 at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The card is expected to air on ESPN or stream on ESPN+.
Latest UFC Rio Rancho linuep:
- Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz
- Montana De La Rosa vs. Mara Romero Borella
- Rogerio Bontorin vs. Ray Borg
- Macy Chiasson vs. Nicco Montano
- Gadzhimurad Antigulov vs. Devin Clark
- Michel Pereira vs. Diego Sanchez
