An important clash between top heavyweights is reportedly targeted for UFC Atlanta on June 14.
Mixed martial arts' leading promotion is heading back to Georgia to stage a UFC Fight Night from the State Farm Arena in a few months' time, and the lineup is beginning to come together.
Following news that Rose Namajunas will make her return at the event, journalist Léo Guimaraes is reporting that a heavyweight collision between the #3-ranked Alexander Volkov and #6-ranked Jailton Almeida is also in the works.
Volkov (38-11) surged into the title picture with a victory over his fellow countryman Sergei Pavlovich in Saudi Arabia last June, a result that extended his winning streak to four. But his momentum took a hit at UFC 310 six months later when he controversially fell on the wrong side of a split decision opposite Ciryl Gane.
Almeida (22-3), meanwhile, has won two on the bounce since Curtis Blaydes handed him his first UFC setback 13 months ago. After rebounding with a submission of Alexandr Romanov, "Malhadinho" most recently battered Serghei Spivac en route to a TKO at UFC 311 this past January.
With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at UFC Atlanta on June 14 are as follows:
- Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida (heavyweight)
- Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick (women's flyweight)
- Alonzo Menifield vs. Oumar Sy (light heavyweight)