The UFC’s final card, as scheduled, of 2020 has added a middleweight bout between two Contender Series alums.
Tafon Nchukwi (4-0) and Jamie Pickett (11-4), who both won contracts on the show this season, will face off on December 19. Sources close to the situation confirmed the booking to Cageside Press on condition of anonymity. The UFC has not yet officially announced the pairing.
Both men will be making their official octagon debuts in the fight. The event is expected to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
The undefeated Nchukwi, 26, also had a perfect run as an amateur before to debuting as a professional just last year. Prior to his head kick knockout of Al Matavao, which earned him his UFC deal, Nchukwi also picked up a victory over William Knight — who won a UFC contract of his own on Dana White’s Contender Series this season.
All four of Tafon Ncukwi’s fights as a pro have ended in stoppages. He hasn’t gone past the second round since his amateur days. The Maryland-based fighter, originally from Cameroon, has previously fought at heavyweight and light heavyweight.
Pickett, meanwhile, was on his third appearance on the show when he finished Jhonoven Pati back in August. “Nightwolf” turned pro in 2011, and was a 185lb champ on the regional scene in Next Level Fight Club.
In 2017, Pickett was submitted by Charles Byrd on what was then Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. He returned in 2019, losing a unanimous decision against Punahele Soriano. The third time was definitely the charm, however.
The UFC’s December 19 date currently features the following bouts:
Deron Winn vs. Antonio Braga Neto
Belal Muhammad vs. Sean Brady
Tafon Nchukwi vs. Jamie Pickett
