Ronaldo Souza vs. David Branch targeted for UFC 230

A high-profile middleweight bout is in the works for the UFC’s next event in New York City.

Ronaldo Souza and David Branch are expected to face off at UFC 230 later this year, ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported Thursday night. UFC officials have yet to confirm the news.

The UFC wanted Souza vs. Branch to headline its upcoming event in Sao Paulo, Brazil this September, but the timing was too soon for Souza. Instead, the pair of 185-pound contenders will meet two months later in November.

Souza is coming off a narrow split-decision loss to future title challenger Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 224 this past May. Prior to that, he knocked out Derek Brunson in the first round with a head kick.

Branch, who has wanted the fight opposite “Jacare” for months, is coming off an upset win over Brazilian knockout artist Thiago Santos at UFC Atlantic City this past April. The former WSOF two-division champion is 2-1 since returning to the UFC.

UFC 230 takes place at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 3. No other bouts have been finalized for the card at this time.