Report: Maia vs. Masvidal targeted for UFC Nashville main event
The UFC's upcoming trip to Nashville could feature a new marquee matchup.
A welterweight bout between top contenders Demian Maia and Jorge Masvidal is being targeted to headline UFC Fight Night 108 on April 22 in the Tennessee capital, MMAFighting's Ariel Helwani revealed Monday following a report from Brazil's Combate.
A featherweight tilt between fourth-ranked Cub Swanson and Artem Lobov currently owns the Nashville card's top billing.
A winner of six straight, the third-ranked Maia has patiently awaited his shot at the welterweight tile since submitting Carlos Condit in under two minutes this past August, but the promotion appears to have others plans, as his name was posited in a potential comeback bout for Nick Diaz before the gears for the Masvidal matchup were put into motion.
If booked, the bout would mark the second main event slot of Masvidal's UFC career. "Gamebred" has won three straight since dropping a pair of split decisions to Benson Henderson and Lorenz Larkin, most recently lighting Donald Cerrone up for a second-round knockout at UFC on FOX 23 last month. The 32-year-old moved into the No. 6 spot of the welterweight rankings with the statement victory.