At the first UFC event scheduled for February 2021, middleweights will collide.
The event, which does not have a location or venue that’s publicly announced at this time, will feature a matchup between promotional newcomer Aliaskhab Khizriev and Brazil’s Wellington Turman.
Both fighters confirmed the matchup on social media after an initial report by MMA Fighting.
Khizriev (13-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) earned his UFC deal after a quick and successful appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series in September. Against Henrique Shiguemoto, Khizriev dragged the fight to the canvas and picked up a 50-second rear-naked choke submission.
In 13 pro victories, Khizriev has picked up seven finishes including four stoppages due to strikes and three submissions. Khizriev, 30, was once the Fight Nights Global interim welterweight champion.
Turman (16-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC) returns after a positive COVID-19 test that forced him to withdraw from a matchup against Sean Strickland, which was scheduled for UFC Fight Night 181 on Oct. 31. Turman’s lone UFC victory against Markus Perez is bookended by a split decision loss to Karl Roberson and a first-round TKO defeat to Andrew Sanchez.
With the addition, the Feb. 6 lineup includes:
- Alistair Overeem vs. Alexander Volkov
- Nicco Montano vs. Karol Rosa
- Molly McCann vs. Lara Procopio
- Macy Chiasson vs. Marion Reneau
- Aliaskhab Khizriev vs. Wellington Turman
