Leo Santos returns against Roman Bogatov at UFC 251

Leo Santos is the latest Brazilian addition to Fight Island’s UFC 251 on July 11.

The lightweight veteran has agreed to face promotional newcomer Roman Bogatov at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Sources confirmed the booking to MMA Fighting following a report by VestnikMMA.

Santos (17-3-1) hasn’t fought in a year. In his last appearance, the jiu-jitsu ace knocked out Stevie Ray in the first round at UFC Stockholm. That was Santos’ first bout since an Oct. 2016 win over Adriano Martins at UFC 204.

Santos is a TUF Brazil 2 welterweight winner and is undefeated since joining the UFC in 2013, finishing the likes of Kevin Lee and Anthony Rocco Martin.

Bogatov (10-0) signed with the UFC after reigning as the M-1 Challenge lightweight titleholder for a year. The Russian 155-pounder scored half of his professional wins via submission.

UFC 251 now includes nine Brazilians, including title challengers Gilbert Burns and Jose Aldo, who are scheduled to face Kamaru Usman and Petr Yan, respectively.

Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway
Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo
Paige VanZant vs. Amanda Ribas
Jessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas
Pedro Munhoz vs. Frankie Edgar
Volkan Oezdemir vs. Jiri Prochazka
Raulian Paiva vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov
Karol Rosa vs. Vanessa Melo
Leo Santos vs. Roman Bogatov