The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 3 Finale will hand former Bellator standout Marcin Held his UFC debut as he faces off against TUF 1” winner and former title challenger Diego Sanchez on November 5. A win in this Lightweight bout is important for both fighters, Held is looking to make a perfect start to his UFC career meanwhile Sanchez with just two wins in his last six fights is now fighting to prove he still has what it takes to compete at a high level.
Held (22-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is coming off a unanimous decision win over Dave Jansen at Bellator 155. This win saw the Polish fighter avenge a loss from three years prior. Previous to this fight Held lost on decision to now UFC Lightweight Will Brooks at Bellator 145 for the Lightweight title. This loss to Brooks saw the 24 year old’s five fight win streak come to an end. During his time at Bellator compiled a record of (11-2) and fought his way to the final of two Bellator Lightweight tournaments, one of which he won.
Fan favourite Sanchez (28-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC) made the move back to Lightweight earlier this year after a loss to Ricardo Lamas at 145 lbs in November 2015. It was a positive start back in the Lightweight division for Sanchez as he took a unanimous decision win over Jim Miller at UFC 196 but was then handed a disappointing loss at UFC 200 after being TKO’d for only the second time in his career by Joe Lauzon after 86 seconds.
The struggling “Nightmare” has not won consecutive fights in over five years but will be looking to get back to winning ways and ruin the welcome party for newcomer Held.
UFC Fight Night 98 is headlined by a Lightweight showdown with ex-champion Rafael dos Anjos meeting top contender Tony Ferguson in the Octagon.
