Justin Tafa vs. Raphael Pessoa set for UFC ‘Fight Island’ event July 25

Heavyweight action is heading to “Fight Island” next month.

A person with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Justin Tafa will take on Raphael Pessoa July 25. The event will take place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Pessoa confirmed the booking on Instagram following an initial report from MMA DNA.

Tafa makes his third octagon appearance and is coming off an impressive first-round TKO win over Juan Adams at UFC 247. “Bad Man” made his promotional debut this past August and was knocked out in the first round by Yorgan De Castro at UFC 243. Prior to being signed, Tafa finished his first three professional bouts via strikes.

Pessoa also enters the fight following his first UFC victory. After a first-round submission loss to Cyril Gane this past August, “Bebezão” bounced back with a unanimous decision win over Jeff Hughes at UFC Singapore two months later.

The UFC’s July 25 event will be headlined by a middleweight showdown between Robert Whittaker and Darren Till.