Ji Yeon Kim has been handed another chance to prove herself in the octagon. The Korean has lost her last three but is coming off two efforts that earned her performance bonuses.
At UFC 277 she has been matched with Mariya Agapova. Is is probably the last chance salon for Kim as very few fighters remain on the roster after losing four in a row.
Kim (9-5-2) was on the wrong end of decision losses in her last three bouts. But the fights with Priscila Cachoeira and Molly McCann provided plenty of entertainment, earning the Korean $100,000 USD in bonuses and a stay of execution.
Agapova (10-3) has won two out of her four UFC fights. At present there is no venue confirmed for this event but it will take place on July 9th (US time).
At 4:59 of round 2!
Ji Yeon Kim tees off, then puts Kassem away with a nasty body shot! #UFC243 pic.twitter.com/WA1VJRW2Bs
— UFC (@ufc) October 5, 2019
Interim title
The event looks set to be headlined by an Asian MMA veteran. Kai Kara-France will challenge Brandon Moreno for the interim UFC flyweight title.
Deiveson Figueiredo is suffering from a serious finger injury and looks unlikely to be able to compete this year. In his absence the UFC has decided to put an interim belt on the line.
Kara-France (24-9) fought all over Asia during his early days. He was a regular with Legend FC and PXC, fighting numerous times in China for WLF and Kunlun while making a solitary Rizin appearance.
He was eliminated in the quarter finals at TUF 24 but went on to earn a UFC contract after winning five fights in a row in China and Australia. He is riding a three fight winning streak and has been rewarded with a shot at the interim 125lbs belt.
Moreno (19-6-2) is a former UFC flyweight champion. He lost the title to Figueiredo at UFC 270 in one of the best fights in flyweight history.
In total Moreno and Figueiredo have faced each other three times with one win apiece and a draw. He also holds a win over Kara-France, having beaten the New Zealander by decision at UFC 245.
Figueiredo tried to put Moreno away, but the champ was unfazed 🚫 #UFC270 pic.twitter.com/G0oFC2ArPa
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 23, 2022
Best of the rest
Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold (16-5) will be making a comeback after nearly three years away from the sport. The 37 year old has been matched with former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa (13-2).
In the heavyweight division Derrick Lewis (26-9) has been matched with Sergei Pavlovich (15-1). The American is currently at #5 while the Russian is ranked #11.
UFC 277, TBA, July 30th
Brandon Moreno vs. Kai Kara-France (For interim flyweight title)
Derrick Lewis vs. Sergei Pavlovich (Heavyweight)
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Anthony Smith (Light Heavyweight)
Luke Rockhold vs. Paulo Costa (Middleweight)
Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Michael Morales (Welterweight)
Ji Yeon Kim vs. Mariya Agapova (Flyweight)
