Claudia Gadelha vs Randa Markos in the works for UFC 239

Every year the UFC stacks up their big International Fight Week event with the biggest and best fights possible. This year that event is UFC 239 and the stacking got going early and often.

Well, it continues on as ESPN’s Brett Okamoto confirmed that a big strawweight match-up between perennial top 15 contenders in Claudia Gadelha (16-4) and Randa Markos (9-6-1) is now officially in the works for the July 6 date.

“Per sources, UFC targeting Claudia Gadelha vs. Randa Markos at UFC 239 on July 6 in Las Vegas. Contracts not signed, but bout has been verbally agreed to.” Okamoto tweeted.

For Canada’s Markos, her last time out came at UFC Nashville in March when she scored her first victory by finish in the UFC as she submitted Angela Hill with an armbar in the opening round.

As for Gadelha, a loss to Nina Ansaroff by unanimous decision at UFC 231 in December 2018 will be what she looks to rebound off of when she returns at UFC 239. Markos’ last defeat also came against the surging American Top Team product when they met in July 2018.

The strawweight division has proven to be at its very best right now with the rapid influx of new contenders and prospects. However, with staples like Markos and Gadelha hanging strong at the top of the heap, it’s surprising that they haven’t been matched up prior.

As for the rest of the loaded UFC 239 card, its current line-up can be seen below.

Light heavyweight- 205lbs: (C)Jon Jones vs. Thiago Santos

Bantamweight – 135lbs: (C)Amanda Nunes vs. Holly Holm

Welterweight – 170lbs: Jorge Masvidal vs Ben Askren

Heavyweight – 207-265lbs: Francis Ngannou vs Junior Dos Santos

Light heavyweight: Jan Błachowicz vs. Luke Rockhold

Welterweight: Michael Chiesa vs Diego Sanchez

Strawweight – 115lbs: Claudia Gadelha vs Randa Markos

Bantamweight: Sean O’Malley vs Marlon Vera

Middleweight – 185lbs: Edmen Shahbazyan vs Jack Marshman

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 4/30/2019