New exciting UFC bouts in the making: Fan favorites and pivotal fights

Photo via UFC (Twitter)

Check out the new exciting UFC bouts coming up this winter!

Anthony Smith vs. Jamahal Hill

Anthony Smith. Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports

A pivotal UFC light heavyweight bout is set for March 11, when No. 5 ranked Anthony Smith will take on No. 6 ranked Jamahal Hill at a location and venue yet to be announced. The fight was first reported by MMA Island.

Rising star Hill has three straight knockout wins, while veteran Smith got his three-fight winning streak snapped by Magomed Ankalaev in July.

With Jiri Prochazka vacating the light heavyweight title, the division is more open than in a long time, and the winner of Smith and Hill has a good chance to fight for the title in the future.

Drew Dober vs. Bobby Green

Drew Dober. Photo: Jeff Bottari / Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Fan favorites Drew Dober and Bobby Green are set for a lightweight fight on December 17.

Green tested positive for a banned substance from an out-of-competition test in May, but will be back in action in the last UFC event of the year. Dober comes from back-to-back wins over Terrance McKinney and Rafael Alves.

Maycee Barber vs. Andrea Lee

Maycee Barber. Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports

Flyweights Maycee Barber and Andrea ”KGB” Lee are targeted to clash at a UFC event on March 25. According to MMA Fighting, both fighters have verbally agreed to fight and contracts are expected to be finalized soon.

No. 12 ranked Barber rides a three-fight winning streak, with victories over Miranda Maverick, Montana De La Rosa and former title challenger Jessica Eye.

Lee holds the No. 9 spot in the rankings and is 2-4 in her last outings in the promotion.

Gilbert Burns vs. Neil Magny

Neil Magny. Photo: USA TODAY via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Top ranked UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns and No. 12 ranked veteran Neil Magny are close to agreeing on a deal to fight at the card that takes place in Rio de Janeiro on January 21.

The fight was first reported by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.

Read more: McGregor’s plans for UFC return raises questions: “Clear for testing in February”

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