Nate Diaz

Alexander Gustafsson vs. Mauricio Rua, BJ Penn vs. Rory MacDonald Also Added

By FCF Staff

The UFC has taken some big steps to ensure a solid line-up for its next FOX broadcast, as today the promotion has announced that lightweight champion Benson Henderson will fight Nate Diaz on the December 8^th card.

In addition, the event will feature rising light-heavyweight Alexander Gustafsson versus former champ “Shogun” Rua, as well as decorated vet BJ Penn versus surging welterweight Rory MacDonald.

The location and venue for the event has yet to be confirmed. The aforementioned bouts were first reported by USA Today.

Henderson (17-2) didn’t have to wait long until his next bout was confirmed, as the champion is coming off a controversial split decision win over Frankie Edgar on August 11^th.

Diaz (16-7) entrenched his title shot in May by tapping out Jim Miller with a second round, guillotine choke.

Despite stopping Brandon Vera in the fourth round on August 4^th, Rua (21-6) failed to earn a rematch with champion Jon Jones and will now take on Gustafsson (14-1).

The Swedish fighter hasn’t competed since April when he earned a unanimous decision win over Thiago Silva.

MacDonald (13-1) and Penn (16-8-2) were scheduled to fight next month at UFC 152 in Toronto, however, MacDonald suffered a cut in training and the bout was pushed back.

Penn is coming off a UD loss to Nick Diaz in October, while MacDonald hasn’t fought since he scored a second round, stoppage win over Che Mills in April.