Report: Tony Ferguson vs. Rafael dos Anjos to headline TUF Latin America 3 Finale

A big fight is in the works for the TUF Latin America 3 Finale. Following a rumor tweeted out by TalkMMA, Champions.co was told by a source from Tony Ferguson’s camp that “El Cucuy” will be facing recently dethroned UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos on November 5th. The UFC has not formally announced the bout themselves, and the Champions.co report notes that the contracts haven’t been signed yet.

Ferguson (21-3) was scheduled to fight Michael Chiesa in a July 13th main event at UFC Sioux Falls, but was relegated to co-main when Chiesa injured his back and Ferguson had to face newcomer Lando Vannata. Fans were treated to one of the most incredible fights of 2016, as Vannata nearly KO’d Ferguson in the opening round, but the epic back-and-forth showdown ended with Ferguson getting a d’arce choke victory. The TUF 13 winner has won 8 in a row, with only Danny Castillo and Josh Thomson able to make it the distance with him. Despite two previous attempts to book him as main event this year, Ferguson has yet to compete in a five-round main event inside the Octagon.

Dos Anjos (25-8) lost his UFC title by 1st round TKO to Eddie Alvarez on July 7th, ending his reign as champion after just one successful defense. The Brazilian was famously due to defend his belt against Conor McGregor at UFC 196, but injured his foot, which led to the Diaz vs. McGregor rivalry that’s been one of the main stories of 2016. RDA won the 155 lbs crown by beating Anthony Pettis in March 2015, before knocking out Donald Cerrone in the final UFC bout of 2015, on December 19th.

This report combined with yesterday’s news from Khabib Nurmagomedov makes it look like Nurmagomedov will be challenging Eddie Alvarez for Alvarez’s belt.

TUF Latin America 3 will be coached by UFC HOFers Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin. The season finale will be held at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City.