Charles Oliveira is set to debut at featherweight against UFC newcomer Eric Wisely at UFC on Fox 2. Promotion officials have yet to confirm the bout, but verbal agreements are said to be in place according to reports from Heavy MMA.
At 22 years of age, Oliveira (14-2, 1 NC) is still one of the organization's most viable prospects, regardless of his recent slump. Since debuting in the UFC with consecutive "Submission of the Night" wins over Darren Elkins and Efrain Escudero in mid-2010, the young Brazilian is winless over his last three contests, including a first-round knockout loss to Donald Cerrone at UFC on Versus 5.
Wisely (19-6), on the other hand, enters the Octagon having won six of his last seven contests, capped by a TKO victory over Brandon Girtz in late November. The 27-year-old is a well-rounded Strikeforce veteran with notable wins over UFC veterans Hermes Franca (x2) and Matt Veach. In addition, Wisely has yet to be finished in five years of professional competition.
UFC on Fox 2 takes place on January 28, 2012 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. A pair of number-one contender matches highlight the night, with Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis and Mark Munoz vs. Chael Sonnen scheduled for network broadcast.
UFC on Fox 2 fight card:
Light heavyweight: Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis
Middleweight: Chael Sonnen vs. Mark Munoz
Bantamweight: Demetrious Johnson vs. Eddie Wineland
Lightweight: Evan Dunham vs. Paul Sass
Heavyweight: John Olav Einemo vs. Mike Russow
Lightweight: Cody McKenzie vs. Michael Johnson
Featherweight: Charles Oliveira vs. Eric Wisely