This fall’s upcoming fight lineup is certainly starting to heat up, and UFC tossed some lighter fluid on the fire with several intriguing match-ups all announced in the last 24 hours, no bigger than the return to the Octagon of the most dominant woman in MMA history, Cris Cyborg. Cyborg is expected to headline the upcoming UFC Fight Night 95 event in her native Brazil. Also on that card will be the return of former bantamweight champion Renan Barao as well as rising lightweight star Steven Ray. UFC Fight Night 96 added an intriguing featherweight match-up as well between top 15 fighters Hacran Dias and Brian Ortega, who both need an impressive showing to enter contender status. UFC 204 announced a big light heavyweight and heavyweight bout, featuring the return of Jimi Manuwa against recent short notice headliner Ovince Saint Preux. Also, Stefan Struve, fresh off a huge first minute knockout win, looks to build some momentum against dynamic Russian striker Ruslan Magomedov. Last but not least will be a pivotal lightweight battle in November between top prospects Beneil Dariush and Rashid Magomedov. UFC Fight Night 95 September 24 140 lbs: Cris Cyborg (16-1-0) vs. Akhtar Lansberg (6-1-0) 145 lbs: Renan Barao (33-4-0) vs. Phillipe Nover (11-6-1) 155 lbs: Alan Patrick (13-1-0) vs. Steven Ray (19-5-0) UFC Fight Night 96 October 1 145 lbs: Hacran Dias (23-4-1) vs. Brian Ortega (11-0-0, 1 NC) UFC 204 October 8 205 lbs: Jimi Manuwa (15-2-0) vs. Ovince Saint Preux (19-8-0) 265 lbs: Stefan Struve (27-8-0) vs. Ruslan Magomedov (14-1-0) TUF Latin America 3 Finale November 5 155 lbs: Beneil Dariush (13-2-0) vs. Rashid Magomedov (19-1-0)
