Demetrious Johnson versus Wilson Reis. Slap yourself on the back if you called this one.
If we needed any further proof that Conor McGregor’s rematch will not be at UFC 201, this is it.
‘Mighty Mouse’ will defend his flyweight title against the No.8 ranked Brazilian in at the Philips Arena in Atlanta.
Johnson is fresh off a UFC 197 victory over Henry Cejudo and many had not expected him to fight again until after TUF 24 wrapped filming later this year. Johnson is due to defend his belt against the TUF winner.
WE GOT FIGHTS IN ATLANTA! 🐼
@MightyMouseUFC vs @WilsonReis7 set to clash at #UFC201! pic.twitter.com/sX01Npuhvi— UFC (@ufc) May 19, 2016
Reis [20-6] climbed backed into the flyweight top 10 with a unanimous decision victory over Dustin Ortiz but his elevation to title contender is somewhat of a surprise.
The fight certainly took Daniel Cormier [UFC light heavyweight champion] and Kenny Florian for a hop when it was announced on UFC Tonight. Cormier remarked:
“I kinda thought Johnson wanted to wait [for TUF] and Wilson has been on a roll of late… It should be a great match-up”
The title bout will act as co-main event, sharing that slot with Robbie Lawler’s defence of his welterweight crown against Tyron Woodley.
McGregor met with UFC president Dana White and chief executive Lorenzo Fertitta in Los Angeles, last night, to discuss future fight plans.
— danawhite (@danawhite) May 19, 2016
It is expected that McGregor-Diaz II will be slated for UFC 202 on August 20 but no official word has emerged yet.
