The UFC’s return to Kentucky after more than a decade has its main event.
After the promotion previously announced the full card, the headliner is now set and will feature middleweight challengers with Jared Cannonier ready to take over Nassourdine Imavov.
The five-round fight between Cannonier (17-6 MMA, 10-6 UFC) and Imavov (13-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC) will take place on UFC Fight Night on June 8 at KFC Yum! Center in Louisville with a main card that airs on ESPN after the prelims streamed on ESPN+.
Two people with knowledge of the situation verified the booking with MMA Junkie after an initial report by Alex Behunin of MMA Mania.
Cannonier, No. 5 in latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie midfield ratings, will look to continue his run of success after winning four of his last five fights. The 40-year-old has beaten Marvin Vettori and Sean Strickland in that time, and his only blemish is a title fight against then-champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 276 in July 2022.
He will have to defend his spot against 11th-ranked Imavov, who has just one loss in his last six fights since July 2021. The 29-year-old most recently competed in February, where he scored a main event victory. over Roman Dolidze at UFC Fight Night 235.
With the current fight card for June 8th includes:
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Jared Cannonier vs. Nassourdine Imavov
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Roman Dolidze x Michel Pereira
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Dustin Jacoby x Dominick Reyes
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Raul Rosas Jr.
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Miguel Baeza x Puna Soriano
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Ludovit Klein x Thiago Moisés
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Carlos Prates x Charlie Radtke
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Brunno Ferreira x Dustin Stoltzfus
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John Castaneda x Daniel Marcos
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Jesse Butler x Brad Katona
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Denise Gomes x Eduarda Moura
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Taylor Lapilus x Cody Stamann
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Julian Márquez x Zach Reese
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Montana De La Rosa x Andrea Lee
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Rayanne Amanda x Puja Tomar
