Dhiego Lima is the younger brother of Bellator welterweight Douglas Lima and he will be making his debut with the XFC in the fall as he will face Ricky Rainey in the co-main event of XFC 25. 
XFC officials announced the fight booking via a press release on Monday and the organization has confirmed to TheMMAReport.com that Lima has been signed to a one fight deal with the promotion.
XFC 25 takes place on September 6th from the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico and will be broadcast live on AXS TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET.
Lima (8-1) has won back to back fights since losing to Nathan Coy at Maximum Fighting Championships 32 by unanimous decision. Five of his last six fights have come in the MFC which is also on AXS TV. Seven of his eight victories are by stoppage and XFC President John Prisco says this fight is strictly the XFC versus the MFC.
“With all do respect to Dhiego Lima, there aren’t many opportunities in this business to prove what I’ve been saying for years is true, we have the most talented fighters on our roster,” XFC President John Prisco said. “This is MFC versus XFC. It isn’t like Lima walked away from the MFC on a losing streak or on the downside of his career; he’s 24 years old, was 5-1 in the promotion, and the face of their Welterweight Division. He was one of Pavelich’s trophies. Now I get the chance to prove to Mark that pound for pound my guys are better. The XFC, MFC, and several other promotions are all on AXS, so there is always going to be comparisons. I don’t mind that, because in my eyes there is no comparison. And now on September 6th, everyone else will see that too. Dhiego Lima is a tremendous fighter and I’m not taking anything away from him, but if these two guys want to fight and I can prove my point to the MMA community, then let’s do it.”
Rainey (6-1) is a four fight veteran of the XFC and has won three straight after losing his first professional fight at XFC 19 against Johnny Buck. Two of his last three wins have come in the first round by TKO and he defeated Reggie Pena earlier this month at XFC 24.
The current XFC 25 card is below and more fights will be announced in the coming weeks by the promotion.
Main Card: (AXS TV – 9 p.m. ET)
Steohanie Eggink (3-1) vs. Angela Magana (11-5)
Dhiego Lima (8-1) vs. Ricky Rainey (6-1)
Stephanie Skinner (2-4) vs. Angelica Chavez (4-2)
Joby Sanchez (4-0) vs. Eric Moell (3-1)
Preliminary Card:
Tommy Truex (8-3) vs. TBA
Landon Vannata (1-0) vs. TBA