Another heavyweight bout is set for UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira as Chase Sherman will take on Ike Villenueva.
Sherman will be making his return to the promotion after failing to gain much traction in his first stint. While the 30-year-old got impressive back-to-back wins over Rashad Coulter (via knockout at UFC 221) and Damian Grabowski (via unanimous decision at UFC on Fox 25), Sherman would suffer three straight losses in a row against Shamil Abdurakhimov (via knockout at UFC Fight Night 122), Justin Willis (via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 128), and Augusto Sakai (via TKO at UFC Fight Night 137).
Since his departure from the promotion, Sherman has managed to bounce back under the MMA company Island Fights, and is currently in the midst of a three-fight winning streak. Sherman’s professional record currently stands at 14 wins and 6 losses.
Villenueva will be making his debut under the UFC banner, with the heavyweight coming in on a strong four-fight winning streak in Fury Fighting Championship. The Texas native has beaten Patrick Miller, Juan Torres, Roger Narvaez, and Rashad Coulter by TKO. Other than FFC, the 36-year-old has competed in Legacy Fighting Championship, Immortal Kombat Championship, and Clash of the Titans. Villenueva’s professional record currently stands at 16 wins and 9 losses.
UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira is scheduled to take place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. On May 13th, and airs on ESPN and ESPN+.