Britain’s Arnold Allen will take on Jean Silva in an intriguing featherweight bout that could push Allen closer to a title bout.
Brazil’s Silva, 29, caused the biggest stir at the news conference, encouraging barking from his fans and trying to present an intimidating presence as he stepped on stage wearing sunglasses and a black hooded robe.
The sunglasses stayed on as Silva riled up his supporters and said he had achieved “five times more” in two years in the UFC than Allen’s 10 in the organisation.
“I don’t have a clue what’s going on,” said Allen as he struggled to follow Silva’s comments through the translator and the barking.
Allen, 31, sits sixth in the rankings and told BBC Sport that Silva was the best option towards his goal of securing a shot at featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
“I want to end the year as the number one contender or have that title fight confirmed,” he said.
“You want to fight the best guys and he’s very dangerous and makes a lot of noise, so it’s exciting being in the Premier League.
“Every team is good and you have to play them all, so I want to be the best and I’m happy to play every team.”