A pair of UFC newcomers have been matched up for a lightweight bout at UFC on Fuel 1. It will be Brazilian-born BJJ specialist, Bernardo Magalhaes, taking on Cuban native, Yoislandy Izquierdo on the February 15th card in Omaha, Nebraska. Izquierdo confirmed the booking on his Facebook page:
Feb 15 I will be fighting ufc on fuel tv!!! More info to come.
Despite his Brazilian heritage, Magalhaes has lived and trained in Australia for several years, coaching fighters at his TP Fight Team in Sydney. He has also competed extensively for Australia’s top promotion, Cage Fighting Championships, winning their lightweight title in 2010 and defending it successfully this past June. Magalhaes was scheduled to compete for ONE FC in a super-fight against Martial Combat lightweight champ, Ole Laursen, in February, but it appears he bowed out of that match-up to make his UFC debut instead.
Izquierdo was born in Cuba, but is now a resident of Hialeah, Florida where he trains at the Young Tigers Foundation alongside UFC bantamweight, Alex Caceres. Although Cuba is known for producing talented wrestlers, Izquierdo’s background is in striking, having trained in karate and san-shou since he was a teenager and while serving time in Cuba’s military. Since making his pro debut just two years ago, Izquierdo remains undefeated in six fights with three TKOs and one submission to his credit, and he’s the current holder of the Championship Fighting Alliance lightweight title.
Bernardo “Trekko” Magalhaes (11-1)
W Robert Lisita (unam. decision) – CFC 17
W Johnavan Vistante Jr. (unam. decision) – Proud Warriors Productions 2
W Adrian Pang (unam. decision) – CFC 12
Yoislandy “Cuba” Izquierdo (6-0)
W Patrick Cenoble (TKO) – CFA 4
W Chris Garcia (TKO) – CFA 3
W Jayson Jones (unam. decision) – CFA 2