The UFC will be returning to the Cotai Arena in Macao on August 23 for a Fight Night card on Fight Pass and the event will be headlined by a middleweight bout as former Strikeforce champion Cung Le meets Michael Bisping.
In the co-main event, Hector Lombard will look for his third straight win as he faces Dong Hyun Kim in a key matchup in the UFC welterweight division.
“We’re excited to announce our return to Macao and the Cotai Arena, a venue that has seen incredible UFC performances over the last two years,” said Mark Fischer, UFC Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Asia. “Sands China Ltd. has proven to be an exceptional partner and visionary in helping us grow the sport of MMA and the UFC brand in South East Asia.”
Le (9-2) has won back to back fights after losing his UFC debut in 2011 against Wanderlei Silva. His last appearance in the octagon came at the end of 2012 in Macao as he defeated Rich Franklin by knockout. Bisping (25-6) is coming off a decision defeat against Tim Kennedy last month and will be looking to remain a top ten fighter in this fight. During his post fight scrum on Saturday night, UFC President Dana White called this an important fight for Bisping
Lombard (34-4-1, 1NC) dropped down to the welterweight division last year and has won back to back fights in the division. After defeating Nate Marquardt at UFC 166, he returned at UFC 171 and defeated former UFC welterweight title challenger Jake Shields by decision. Kim (19-2-1) is currently on a four fight winning streak and his last two wins have come by knockout. He has won a fight night bonus for his last two victories and his most recent win came in Match against John Hathaway.
Tickets for this fight card will go on sale June 23rd and the UFC will be announcing more fights in the coming weeks.