UFC® has announced that No.2 ranked Volkan Oezdemir will face No.7 ranked Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in a light heavyweight main event showdown when the UFC returns to the city of Hamburg on July 22.
Current No. 2 ranked light heavyweight Volkan Oezdemir, is making his first return to the Octagon® since challenging Daniel Cormier for the UFC light heavyweight title in January. Considered one of the most exciting fighters in the division, Oezdemir’s run towards that title shot saw him win each of his first three UFC bouts, including first round knockout victories over Misha Cirkunov and Jimi Manuwa – the latter earning him the ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus at UFC 214® last July. Another win in Hamburg will place him firmly in contention for another shot at the belt.
Standing in his way is legendary Brazilian mixed martial artist “Shogun” Rua, a former UFC light heavyweight champion and veteran of 34 professional bouts. The ex-champ is currently riding a three-fight winning streak – the longest of his 11-year UFC career – and he’ll be determined to push himself into contention by stretching that run to four. That streak started back in August 2015 with a ‘Fight of the Night’ performance against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, followed by wins over Corey Anderson and Gian Villante.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m. CEST via Eventim. UFC Fight Club members will be able to secure their tickets early on Wednesday, April 25, at 10:00 a.m. CEST. UFC newsletter subscribers, and those who registered their interest early, will be able to access their tickets on Thursday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m.