The rebooking of a light heavyweight matchup between Volkan Oezdemir and Ilir Latifi is among bouts that have been added to UFC Newark.
Former light heavyweight title challenger Volkan Oezdemir and top contender Ilir Latifi have been rebooked to UFC Newark, alongside other bouts. ESPN’s Fight Center added the bout last night alongside four others.
Oezdemir and Latifi were supposed to face off at UFC Stockholm on June 1, but a back injury on fight week for Latifi forced him to withdraw.
Oezdemir (15-4) has lost his last three contests in the Octagon. It should be noted, however, that they were to current heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, top contender and former title challenger Anthony Smith, and top prospect Dominick Reyes. The bout with Reyes was the most recent for Oezdemir, where Oezdemir lost a close split decision in London back in March. The 29-year-old holds a 3-3 record in the UFC, with knockout victories over Misha Cirkunov and Jimi Manuwa.
Latifi (14-6, one no contest), is also coming off a loss. The 35-year-old most recently lost to Corey Anderson by unanimous decision at UFC 232. Prior to that, Latifi defeated Tyson Pedro and Ovince St. Preux in convincing fashion. The Swedish veteran has competed in the UFC since 2013, totaling a record of 7-4 in the Octagon.
The following bouts were also added to the card:
- Antonina Shevchenko (7-1) vs. Lucie Pudilová (8-4) – flyweight
- Gerald Meerschaert (29-11) vs. Trevin Giles (11-1) – middleweight
- Zelim Imadaev (8-1) vs. Salim Touahri (10-3) – welterweight
- Darko Stosic (13-2) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (6-1) – light heavyweight
UFC Newark will take place at the Prudential Center in New Jersey on August 3. The main event was announced last night, as former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington faces former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler.
