The UFC is close to finalizing a welterweight bout between Rafael dos Anjos and Michael Chiesa on Jan. 25 in Raleigh, North Carolina, per sources.
Contracts have not yet been signed, but both sides have agreed to the bout. The 170-pound contest will take place at UFC Fight Night inside PNC Arena. The event airs on ESPN+.
Dos Anjos (29-12) will be looking to get back into title contention after dropping three of his past four. The former lightweight champion has lost only to the absolute top of the division during this skid: current champion Kamaru Usman, title challenger Colby Covington, and Leon Edwards, who has won eight in a row.
Originally from Brazil and now fighting out of Southern California, dos Anjos is 4-3 since moving up from 155 pounds. His last victory came against Kevin Lee in May.
Chiesa (15-4) is seeking his third consecutive win. He fought only once in 2019, a three-round decision against Diego Sanchez in July. Before that win, Chiesa submitted Carlos Condit at UFC 232 last December.
Fighting out of Spokane Valley, Washington, Chiesa has won five of his past seven contests overall. Also a former lightweight, he is 2-0 since moving up.
A heavyweight fight between Junior dos Santos (21-6) and Curtis Blaydes (12-2) is scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night on Jan. 25.