The UFC is giving JP Buys vs. Nate Smith another shot.
Twice the flyweight bout was scheduled for Dana White’s Contender Series, Season 4 – and twice it was canceled due to visa issues with Buys (8-2 MMA). Now, his fight against Smith (6-1 MMA) has been scheduled for a third time: Nov. 17 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Multiple people with knowledge of the situation confirmed the booking to MMA Junkie but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.
Both fighters have previously competed on DWCS.
On Season 1 in 2017, Buys lost to UFC signee Joby Sanchez by second-round TKO. Since then, Buys has made the move to Fortis MMA and now rides a four-fight winning streak. Buys’ wife, Cheyanne Buys, earned a UFC deal earlier this season by defeating Hilarie Rose.
The Buys matchup, marks Smith’s second appearance on Season 4. On Sept. 1, Smith lost to UFC contract-winner Jimmy Flick by third-round submission. Despite the loss, UFC president Dana White praised Smith’s performance and said he would be given a second shot later on in the season.
With the addition, the Nov. 17 card includes:
- Kenneth Bergh vs. Matheus Scheffel
- Chelsea Hackett vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels
- Sherrard Blackledge vs. Tucker Lutz
- JP Buys vs. Nate Smith
