Benavidez-Nguyen, Moraga-Mokhtarian added to UFC Auckland
Former flyweight title challengers Joseph Benavidez and John Moraga will be in action when the UFC heads to Auckland, New Zealand, on June 11.
The No. 1 contender Benavidez will fight Brisbane resident Ben Nguyen, while Moraga takes on Australian newcomer Ashkan Mokhtarian.
The UFC announced the bouts Thursday.
Next to divisional champion Demetrious Johnson, Benavidez has been the hottest fighter at 125 pounds. He has won six straight, including a split-decision victory over fellow contender Henry Cejudo in his most recent outing last December. Benavidez is 12-2 in the UFC, with his only losses coming at the hands of Johnson.
Nguyen has won three of his four fights inside the Octagon. "Ben 10" sits in the No. 13 spot in the rankings after dispatching Geane Herrera by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 101.
A one-time title challenger, Moraga is on a career-worst three-fight skid, with decision losses to Benavidez, Matheus Nicolau, and Sergio Pettis pushing him out of the top 10. In Mokhtarian, he receives a matchup against a rising prospect who has compiled a 13-1 professional record.
UFC Fight Night 110 takes place at the Vector Arena, and will be headlined by a heavyweight bout between Derrick Lewis and Mark Hunt.