The game of musical opponents for Nikolas Motta continues — and his long awaited UFC debut has shifted dates yet again.
Just days ago, Motta (12-3) was reportedly lined up for a fight with Drakkar Klose. Despite both fighters apparently confirming the booking, with contracts not having been signed, Motta has changed opponents and dates yet again. Per an announcement Friday by Iridium Sports Agency, Motta’s management firm, he’ll now face Jim Miller (33-16) at the UFC’s February 19 Fight Night event.
It’s not Motta’s first time being linked to a fight with Miller. The pair were expected to face off in September, only for Miller to test positive for COVID-19.
That was Motta’s second attempt at making his octagon debut. The first came in May of 2021, with the Brazilian forced out of a fight with Damir Hadzovic due to injury.
Astoundingly, the original date with Motta was the first time Jim Miller had dropped out of a fight in his entire career. He got back to work, and back in the win column, in October, stopping Erick Gonzalez with a second-round KO.
The UFC’s February 19, 2022 event is expected to take place at the Apex in Las Vegas. The following fights have been reported for the card:
Jesse Strader vs. Chad Anheliger
Austin Lingo vs. Jonathan Pearce
Chas Skelly vs. Mark Striegl
Kyle Daukaus vs. Julian Marquez
Khalid Taha vs. Mario Bautista
Diana Belbiţă vs. Gloria de Paula
Jessica-Rose Clark vs. Stephanie Egger
Ilir Latifi vs. Alexander Romanov
Johnny Walker vs. Jamahal Hill
Rafael Fiziev vs. Rafael dos Anjos
Cory McKenna vs. Elise Reed
Jim Miller vs. Nikolas Motta
