UFC 330 adds Abdul-Malik, Luque and Neal to growing Philadelphia undercard

Four new fights have been officially added to UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia, bolstering an undercard that sits beneath Islam Makhachev’s record-chasing welterweight title defence against Ian Machado Garry.

The most closely watched addition is blue-chip middleweight prospect Mansur Abdul-Malik (9-1-1), who returns looking to rebound from the first defeat of his career when he meets veteran Dustin Stoltzfus (16-8). Abdul-Malik had been regarded as one of the division’s brightest emerging talents before that setback, and the matchup will offer an early read on how he responds under pressure.

Longtime welterweight contender Vicente Luque (24-12-1) also features, continuing his experiment at middleweight against Tresean Gore (6-4) as he seeks back-to-back wins at 185 pounds. Luque spent the bulk of his career as a 170-pound fixture, and his transition to the heavier class adds an intriguing subplot to the card.

Veteran welterweights Geoff Neal (16-8) and Chidi Njokuani (25-12, 1 NC) will also meet, while a previously reported welterweight bout between Myktybek Orolbai (16-2-1) and Jeremiah Wells (13-4-1) was confirmed as part of Friday’s announcement.

The main event sees Makhachev put his lightweight — not welterweight — title on the line for the first time against Garry as he pursues a record-breaking 17th consecutive UFC victory. Strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern faces top contender Gillian Robertson in the co-main event.

UFC 330 — August 15, Philadelphia

Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry

Mackenzie Dern vs. Gillian Robertson

Edson Barboza vs. Esteban Ribovics

Erin Blanchfield vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius

Myktybek Orolbai vs. Jeremiah Wells

Geoff Neal vs. Chidi Njokuani

Vicente Luque vs. Tresean Gore

Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dustin Stoltzfus