Raoni Barcelos asked for a top-ranked opponent after his most recent UFC victory, and has just agreed to face Merab Dvalishvili at the upcoming UFC Vegas 16 card on Dec. 5, multiple people with knowledge of the booking told MMA Fighting.
Dvalishvili was originally scheduled to take on Cody Stamann on that same date, but his opponent withdrew from the card.
Barcelos (16-1), who also agreed to fight Stamman back in March before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of many UFC events, defeated Khalid Taha via decision earlier this month in Las Vegas, pocketing extra $50,000 for the “Fight of the Night.