LFA champ Markus Perez to make UFC debut vs. Anders in Fresno
The UFC has added some new blood to its geriatric middleweight division.
Recently crowned Legacy Fighting Alliance champion Markus Perez will make his promotional debut in John Phillips' stead opposite Eryk Anders at UFC Fight Night 123 on Dec. 9 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif., according to MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz.
The undefeated 27-year-old owns wins over UFC veterans Paulo Thiago and Ildemar Alcantara, and makes the leap from feeder promotion to the big stage after submitting Ian Heinisch in the first round to win the LFA strap in September.
Anders meets his fellow LFA alum with an identical professional record of 9-0. The 30-year-old debuted on short notice this past July at UFC on FOX 25, where he KO'd the since-retired Rafael Natal inside of three minutes. Six of Anders' pro victories have come by way of knockout.
The December bill will see Cub Swanson take on the undefeated Brian Ortega in the featherweight main event.