An intriguing welterweight clash between a perennial contender and a fast-rising prospect is set for November.
MMA Junkie on Thursday learned from two people with knowledge of the booking that Sean Brady and Michael Chiesa have agreed to meet at an upcoming UFC event on Nov. 20. Those people requested anonymity because the promotion has not made an announcement. The booking also was reported by UFC broadcast partner ESPN.
While a location for the event has not formally been announced, it is expected to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Brady (14-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) was expected to face Kevin Lee at this past weekend’s UFC on ESPN 30 event before an infection forced him to withdraw from the card. The undefeated 28-year-old was last in action in March, scoring a third-round submission win over Jake Matthews.
Meanhwile, Chiesa (17-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) will look to rebound from a disappointing August loss to Vicente Luque at UFC 265. Prior to the setback, Chiesa had earned four straight wins over MMA notables Neil Magny, Rafael dos Anos, Diego Sanchez and Carlos Condit. He remains at No. 10 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie welterweight rankings.
With the addition to the card, the Nov. 20 UFC event currently includes:
- Joanne Calderwood vs. Alexa Grasso
- Sean Brady vs. Michael Chiesa
- Aori Qileng vs. Cody Durden
- Cheyanne Buys vs. Loma Lookboonmee
- Terrance McKinney vs. Fares Ziam
