A compelling matchup of lightweights Damir Ismagulov and Arman Tsarukyan has been added to the final UFC card of 2022.
Ismagulov (24-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) and Tsarukyan (18-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) have verbally agreed to a clash at UFC Fight Night on Dec. 17, a person with knowledge of the situation verified to MMA Junkie following an initial report from EuroSport Nederland.
The event takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Broadcast plans have not been revealed at this time.
Ismagulov, 31, has only fought five times since making his octagon debut in December 2018, but no one has been able to figure him out thus far. The Russian is currently on a 19-fight winning streak dating back to his sole career defeat in September 2015.
Tsarukyan, 25, meanwhile, will attempt to rebound from his first main event setback. After winning five-straight bouts at 155 pounds, the Russian lost a competitive unanimous decision to Mateusz Gamrot at UFC on ESPN 38 in June.
The latest lineup for UFC Fight Night on Dec. 17 includes:
- Julian Marquez vs. Deron Winn
- Tafon Nchukwi vs. Jamal Pogues
- Sergey Morozov vs. Journey Newson
- Amir Albazi vs. Alex Perez
- Albert Duraev vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
- Damir Ismagulov vs. Arman Tsarukyan