Jeff Hughes is set to join the UFC Columbus card in March next year, taking on Brazilian heavyweight Carlos Felipe.
Ohio native Jeff Hughes will be fighting close to home when he returns to the octagon next year. Heavyweight Hughes, a member of the Strong Style gym and teammate of heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, will face Carlos Felipe on March 28, 2020 at UFC Columbus.
Felipe announced the news on social media just prior to an MMA Fighting article also reporting the news.
Hughes (10-3, 1NC) will enter the octagon in Columbus looking for his first win under the UFC banner, after a rocky start with the promotion. After losing his debut against Maurice Greene (a rematch from earlier in their careers), Hughes looked solid against Todd Duffee at UFC Vancouver back in September. However, the fight was ended when Duffee was unable to continue after an eye poke, resulting in a no contest.
A quick turnaround took Hughes to Singapore, where he lost a decision against Raphael Pessoa.
In Carlos Felipe (8-0), Hughes faces another Brazilian, albeit one who has not competed since 2017. That’s because USADA handed down a two-year suspension when traces of stanozolol were detected in a blood test, prior to Felipe ever setting foot in the octagon.
Felipe was later released by the promotion, but has not competed in MMA since. With his suspension up, he’s rejoining the fold, hopefully without issue this time around.
UFC Columbus takes place March 28, 2020 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Francis Ngannou vs. Jaizinho Rozenstruik is set as the main event. The card is expected to air on ESPN, per the UFC’s official broadcaster.
