With the first quarter of 2020 set, the UFC matchmaking process is in full swing.
The promotion announced a number of matchups for UFC Auckland — taking place February 23 — and UFC Brasilia which takes place March 14.
Flyweight Kai Kara-France will get the chance to compete on home turf when he returns to action against Tyson Nam at UFC Auckland.
A quick turnaround for @kaikarafrance! He faces Tyson Nam at #UFCAuckland 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/Q6E2598dab
— UFC_AUSNZ (@UFC_AUSNZ) December 26, 2019
Kara-France’s last outing saw him suffer his first defeat since 2016 following a unanimous decision loss to Brandon Moreno earlier this month. However, he will be looking to quickly return to the win column with hopes of challenging for the title soon.
As per the Sydney Morning Herald, there are more bouts reportedly being added to the card including Australia’s Callan Potter facing Song Kenan in welterweight action and a lightweight contest between Jamie Mullarkey and Jalin Turner.
There were more announcements for the UFC’s return to Brasilia. Exciting light heavyweight contender Johnny Walker will look to bounce back from his loss to Corey Anderson last month when he collides with Nikita Krylov.
Paige VanZant will also feature on the card when she meets Brazilian Amanda Ribas in women’s strawweight action.
🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿 #UFCBrasilia pic.twitter.com/ABeG7CSHy7
— UFC (@ufc) December 26, 2019
Brad Tavares and Antonio Carlos Junior will look to return to the win column when they meet in middleweight action as well.
A top 1️⃣5️⃣ MW battle heads to #UFCBrasilia! pic.twitter.com/yf6wmvZQWW
— UFC (@ufc) December 26, 2019
But there is more.
Flyweight contenders Jussier Formiga and Brandon Moreno will reportedly collide in a fight that could determine the new 125-pound #1 contender.
Other bouts not made official but being reported include Rani Yahya vs. Enrique Barzola; Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Alexey Kunchenko; and Veronica Macedo vs. Bea Malecki.