An incredibly gutsy debut should’ve told you Brad Riddell wasn’t interested in easy fights.
The Kiwi is set to face Magomed Mustafaev in a lightweight clash at UFC Fight Night 168 which takes place at Spark Arena in Auckland on Sunday, February 23. The UFC confirmed the news on Friday.
Riddell (7-1) made his UFC debut in October at UFC 243 where he dominated Australian Jamie Mullarkey in a contest which could have easily been stopped ahead of the final bell. The former kickboxer will join City Kickboxing teammate Dan Hooker who is scheduled to headline the card.
Each of Mustafaev’s 14 victories have not gone the full distance. A loss to former title contender Kevin Lee snapped an 11-fight win streak he’d predominantly accrued on the Russian circuit. However, the Dagestani native (14-3) has since rebounded with a knockout of Rafael Fiziev in the first round at UFC St. Petersburg in April.
UFC Auckland will take place at Spark Arena on Sunday, February 23. The card will be headlined by a lightweight contest between Dan Hooker and Paul Felder. See below for bouts currently scheduled for the event:
- Dan Hooker vs. Paul Felder
- Tyson Pedro vs. Vinicius Moreira
- Ben Sosoli vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima
- Jake Matthews vs. Emil Meek
- Jimmy Crute vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
Paul Felder promises a ‘stand up war for the fans’ ahead of UFC Auckland
