UFC on ESPN+ 31 is continuing to expand its lineup.
A lightweight bout between Matt Frevola and Roosevelt Roberts is on tap for the promotion’s return to Nebraska.
Two people with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie of the booking Wednesday but asked to remain anonymous because the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.
UFC on ESPN+ 31 takes place April 25 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb. The event will stream on ESPN+.
A signee from Dana White’s Contender Series, Frevola (8-1-1 MMA, 2-1-1 UFC) lost his UFC debut by first-round knockout in January 2018. Eleven months later, he returned to action against Lando Vannata. The two fighters put on a thrilling fight and went to the decision, where the contest was ruled a draw.
Since the draw, Frevola has won back-to-back fights against Jalin Turner and Luis Pena. On April 11, Long Island’s “The Steamrolla” looks to make it three-for-three.
Like Frevola, Roberts (9-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) also earned his UFC shot after an impressive DWCS outing. After winning back-to-back fights against Darrell Horcher and Thomas Gifford to kick of his promotional tenure, Roberts dropped a unanimous decision to Vinc Pichel in March 2019.
At UFC on ESPN+ 21 in November, Roberts returned to his winning ways. Taking on Alexander Yakovlev in enemy territory, Roberts did enough to earned an unanimous decision nod.
The current UFC Lincoln lineup includes:
- Anthony Smith vs. Glover Teixeira
- Shamil Gamzatov vs. Ovince Saint Preux
- Cynthia Calvillo vs. Antonina Shevchenko
- Evan Dunham vs. Michael Johnson
- Anthony Rocco Martin vs. David Zawada
- Zak Cummings vs. Andrew Sanchez
- Ariane Carnelossi vs. Mackenzie Dern
- Christos Giagos vs. Alan Patrick
- Matt Frevola vs. Roosevelt Roberts
