Dan Ige didn’t make it onto UFC 306 at the Sphere, but the Hawaiian star has another big fight in the works.
Ige (18-8) is being targeted to face England’s Lerone Murphy (14-0-1) at UFC 308 on October 26, 2024 in Abu Dhabi.
Murphy teased the bout on his Instagram Story on Thursday, posting a snippet of footage of Ige’s short-notice fight with Diego Lopes from UFC 303 with the caption “good morning.” MMA Fighting was first to report news of the booking, which was originally set for this past February, only for Murphy to be forced out due to injury.
The bout has yet to be officially announced by the promotion.
Ige shocked just about everyone save his own coaches by stepping in to fight Lopes at UFC 303 on just a few hours’ notice, the shortest lead time for a replacement fighter to be booked in modern UFC history. He would lose a decision, but was later promised (along with Lopes) a spot at UFC 306 at The Sphere in Las Vegas by UFC President and CEO Dana White.
The UFC 306 card, a.k.a. Riyadh Season Noche UFC, appears to have filled up, however.
Murphy remains undefeated in the UFC, and as a pro, having most recently claimed a decision victory over Brazilian veteran Edson Barboza.
UFC 308 is expected to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 26 with Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway rumored to be headlining.
