A pair of exciting UFC bantamweights will throw down in January.
MMA DNA was first to report the news that Brian Kelleher will fight Saidyokub Kakhramonov on January 15 at a yet-to-be-announced UFC event. A source close to the situation subsequently confirmed the fight to Cageside Press.
Kelleher (23-15) got back into the win column in his most recent bout, in August. He defeated Domingo Pilarte via unanimous decision. Before that, he lost a unanimous decision to Ricky Simón at UFC 258. “Boom” went 3-1 in 2020, picking up two Performance of the Night bonuses, as well as a Fight of the Night bonus. Kelleher was calling for a fight with Sean O’Malley before getting this one.
Kakhramonov (9-2) won his UFC debut when he stepped in on less than a week’s notice to fight Trevin Jones. He ended up putting Jones to sleep in the third round. Kakhramonov is riding a three-fight win streak and was the CFFC bantamweight champion before vacating the belt.
No location, venue, or broadcast plan has been officially announced for the January 15 UFC event.
The January 15 card currently breaks down as follows:
- Brandon Royval vs. Rogerio Bontorin
- Kay Hansen vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
- Bill Algeo vs. Joanderson Brito
- Zarrukh Adashev vs. Kleydson Rodrigues
- Brian Kelleher vs. Saidyokub Kakhramonov
