Stamann-Barcelos Slated For UFC Columbus

One of the top Brazilian fighters in MMA today will reportedly be facing off against his toughest challenges of his young UFC career. According to Combate, Raoni Barcelos and Cody Stamann are set to clash at UFC on ESPN 8. The fight is set to take place on March 8 inside the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

The 32-year-old Barcelos (15-1) is 4-0 in the UFC since debuting in 2018. He won his last bout against Said Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision back in December at UFC Busan. Currently on an eight-fight win streak, Barcelos is a three-time RFA Featherweight Champion and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu medalist.

Stamann (18-2-1) is coming off of a draw against Song Yadong back in December at a UFC event in Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena. Before that, he beat Alejandro Perez via unanimous decision at UFC 235. He was on a nine-fight win streak before losing via submission to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 228.

The fight joins a main event that features heavyweights Francis Ngannou and Jairzinho Rozenstruik fighting for a heavyweight title opportunity. Raphael Assunçao faces Cody Garbrandt in a bantamweight bout in the co-main event, while former NFL star Greg Hardy returns against Yorgan de Castro.