A pair of Dana White Contender Series welterweight contract winners will be looking for their first UFC win in July.
MMA Fighting was the first to report the news that Orion Cosce will be making his UFC debut against Phillip Rowe on July 31 at a yet-to-be-announced UFC event. Sources later confirmed the booking to Cageside Press.
Cosce (7-0) received a UFC contract on season four of Dana White’s Contender Series after defeating the highly touted Matt Dixon via TKO, in an upset. His brother Louis won a contract the same night. “Galaxy” was scheduled to make his debut at UFC 255; however, an injury pulled him from the fight. Cosce rehabbed the injury himself and 100% healthy again.
Rowe (7-3) had his long-awaited promotional debut spoiled at UFC 258 when he lost a unanimous decision to Gabe Green. “The Fresh Prince” had his seven-fight win streak snapped. Before his loss, Rowe has won all of his fights by stoppage, holding a 100% finish rate. Injuries kept him out of action all of 2020.
The UFC’s July 31 event does not have an official location, venue, or broadcast plan announced. No main event has been announced.
The following bouts have been reported for the Fight Night card:
- Bryan Barberena vs. Jason Witt
- Collin Anglin vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan
- Jinh Yu Frey vs. Istela Nunes
- Rafa Garcia vs. Chris Gruetzmacher
- Orion Cosce vs. Phillip Rowe
