Plus, rising heavyweight star Francis Ngannou gets the biggest test of his pro career when he faces former world champion Andrei Arlovski.
In the FOX-televised main event, Julianna Pena faces Valentina Shevchenko in a five-round bantamweight showdown.
Winner of four straight since moving to the welterweight division in February 2016, Cerrone has finished each of his foes during that stretch, earning three Performance of the Night bonuses. He will be pushed to the limit, though, by Miami’s Masvidal, a 13-year pro who is coming off consecutive wins over Ross Pearson and Jake Ellenberger.
Like Cerrone, France’s Ngannou had a big win last weekend, as he submitted Anthony Hamilton in Albany, New York. Now 4-0 with four finishes in the UFC, “The Predator” is excited to lock horns with the “Pitbull” this January. Hoping to snap a three-fight losing streak, Arlovski has every intention of doing just that in what promises to be an explosive battle with Ngannou.
Tickets are on sale now. Stay tuned to UFC.com for more fight card announcements.
