Combate alum Erick Gonzalez will look to secure his first win inside the UFC octagon come February.
Gonzalez (14-7) will face Darrius Flowers (12-5-1) in a lightweight bout at the UFC’s February 25, 2023 Fight Night event. The card is expected to take place at the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Cageside Press confirmed the booking with a source familiar with the situation on Monday, following an initial report by MMA Island.
Flowers, who competed on Dana White’s Contender Series earlier this year, will be making his promotional debut in the fight. The 28-year old has won four straight, and earned his shot in the big leagues care of a slam that left opponent Amiran Gogoladze injured during their DWCS match-up.
Having previously fought for LFA and KOTC, among others, Flowers turned pro in 2017.
“Ghost Pepper” Gonzalez is 0-2 through two UFC fights thus far, though it’s worth noting that the first came against wily veteran Jim Miller on short notice. For his second opponent, Gonzalez drew surging lightweight Terrance McKinney — another top level opponent.
Gonzalez will clearly be hoping that the third time in the charm heading into his February showdown with Flowers.
Thus far, the UFC’s Feb. 25, 2023 Fight Night event features the following reported match-ups:
- Nikita Krylov vs. Ryan Spann
- Victor Martinez vs. Jordan Leavitt
- Hailey Cowan vs. Ailin Perez
- Ode’ Osbourne vs. Denys Bondar
- Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Cortney Casey
- Erick Gonzalez vs. Darrius Flowers
