RFA flyweight champion Matt Manzanares was scheduled to defend his title for the first time against Joby Sanchez in the main event of RFA 18 on September 12th, but Sanchez got the call from the UFC and Manzanares will now be challenged by Alexandre Pantoja.
The new opponent for Manzanares was announced by RFA President Ed Soares in a press release on Tuesday.
“I’m pleased to announce that the RFA will be bringing an exciting new flyweight title fight to New Mexico,” stated Soares. “Once again, Matt Manzanares has shown his eagerness to compete against the best in the world. After Joby Sanchez got the call to the UFC, Manzanares will now defend his title against Brazilian champion and Nova União star Alexandre Pantoja in the main event of RFA 18.”
Manazanares (7-2) has been in the RFA since 2012 and has won three of his five fights in the promotion. He won the vacant flyweight title in April as he won a decision over Junior Maranhao at RFA 14. Pantoja (14-2) is currently on a seven fight winning streak and his last defeat came in 2010 against current UFC flyweight Jussier Formiga. During his winning streak, four of the wins have come in the first round and three of those are by submission.
In addition to the title fight, the fight card will feature former UFC flyweight Ulysses Gomez meeting Abel Cullum in the co-main event. Tickets for the event are available for purchase NOW through HoldMyTicket.com and the main card will air live on AXS TV beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on September 12th.
The current main card lineup for RFA 18: Manzanares vs. Pantoja is below.
Matt Manzanares (7-2) vs. Alexandre Pantoja (14-2)
Ulysses Gomez (9-4) vs. Abel Cullum (18-6)
Chidi Njokuani (10-4) vs. Steve Hanna (4-1)
Mehdi Baghdad (9-3) vs. Evan DeLong (13-7)
Adrian Cruz (5-1-1) vs. Joey Miolla (4-1)