Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Haqparast will now face former Combate Americas lightweight champion Rafa Garcia at UFC Vegas 21. The event takes place at UFC APEX and will stream on ESPN+. Milenio was first to report the new booking.
Garcia replaces Don Madge, who was forced out of the bout due to visa issues which he revealed on Instagram this past Friday.
Haqparast got back in the win column in his most recent appearance with a unanimous decision nod over Alex Munoz at UFC Vegas 6 in August. Prior to that, the 25-year-old had a three-fight winning streak snapped by Drew Dober via first-round knockout at UFC 246. Haqparast is 4-2 in his six promotional appearances.
Garcia has won all 12 of his professional bouts. “Gifted” competed for Combate Americas beginning in January 2017 and compiled an 8-0 record, including capturing the promotion’s 155-pound title in his most recent appearance at Combate 55 in February 2020 against former UFC fighter Humberto Bandenay.
UFC Vegas 21 will be headlined by a welterweight matchup between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad.
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