UFC elevates Makhachev-Moises to July 17 main event
A previously reported bout between rising lightweights Islam Makhachev and Thiago Moises has been promoted to the five-round main event of UFC Fight Night on July 17, the promotion announced.
The move comes after Max Holloway reportedly suffered an injury and was forced out of the original headliner against Yair Rodriguez. The UFC reportedly planned to reschedule that fight for a later date, but it hasn't been finalized.
Makhachev, a teammate of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, is riding a seven-fight winning streak, which was extended with a dominant submission victory over Drew Dober in March. Makhachev holds a 19-1 professional record and hasn't lost since his second UFC bout in 2015. The 29-year-old is ranked No. 9 in the 155-pound division.
Moises has won three in a row, most recently besting Alexander Hernandez on the scorecards in February. That streak also includes a decision win over Bobby Green and submission of Michael Johnson. Moises, 26, is ranked No. 14 in the weight class.
The UFC hasn't yet announced a location for its July 17 card.