Derrick Lewis vs. Junior dos Santos set to headline UFC Wichita

A matchup between top 10 heavyweights will headline the UFC’s debut trip to Kansas.

Heavy hitters Derrick Lewis and Junior dos Santos have agreed to meet March 9 at INTRUST Bank Arena in the main event of UFC Wichita. MMA Fighting confirmed the booking Monday afternoon following an initial report by MMA Junkie.

Lewis (21-6, 1 NC) is looking to rebound after suffering a second-round submission loss to Daniel Cormier in a short-notice title challenge at UFC 230.

Prior to that, “The Black Beast” ripped off a sensational 9-1 run over a 10-fight span, a run that included seven KO/TKO stoppages and was highlighted by wins over notable names Alexander Volkov, Francis Ngannou, Travis Browne, and Roy Nelson, among others. The 33-year-old Lewis is currently the No. 2 ranked contender in the UFC’s heavyweight division.

Dos Santos (20-5), meanwhile, is enjoying his best streak since his days as UFC heavyweight champion ended in 2012. The power-punching Brazilian has won three of his last four contests, defeating the likes of Ben Rothwell, Blagoy Ivanov, and Tai Tuivasa.

In total, the 34-year-old dos Santos carries a sterling 14-4 UFC record and also holds a slew of Octagon victories over former UFC or Pride FC heavyweight champions: Fabricio Werdum, Frank Mir, Mirko Cro Cop, Stipe Miocic, Shane Carwin, and Cain Velasquez.

UFC Wichita is slated to broadcast live on ESPN+.