Jimmie Rivera vs. Marlon Vera verbally agreed for UFC 247 in Houston

Marlon Vera will attempt to move his winning streak to six when he faces Jimmie Rivera in a bantamweight showdown at UFC 247 on Feb. 8 from Houston, Texas.

Multiple sources confirmed to MMA Fighting on Saturday that verbal agreements are in place for the fight, which will take place on the same card as light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ title defense against Dominick Reyes in the main event. MMAJunkie initially reported the contest.

Over the course of his past five fights, Vera has scorched his competition with three knockouts and two submission victories. Vera hasn’t tasted defeat since early 2018 when he lost a decision to Douglas Silva de Andrade.

Now the former “Ultimate Fighter” competitor will attempt to climb up the bantamweight rankings against an established 135-pound contender in Rivera.

The fight will give Rivera the chance to bounce back from two straight losses after falling in decision to Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling. Rivera is 6-3 overall in the UFC including wins over Urijah Faber, John Dodson and Pedro Munhoz.

UFC 247 also features a flyweight title fight as reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko takes on Katlyn Chookagian in the co-main event.