Barboza knocking out Etim (photo via UFC / Getty)

By FCF Staff

UFC 162 will feature a lightweight clash between two noted strikers, as the promotion has announced that John “The Bull” Makdessi will battle Edson Barboza at the July 6th event. UFC 162 will be hosted by the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Makdessi (11-2) is coming off consecutive, unanimous decision victories over Sam Stout and Daron Cruickshank, after losing back-to-back bouts to Anthony Njokuani and Dennis Hallman. Makdessi has gone 4-2 in the Octagon thus far.

Barboza (11-1) rebounded from his stoppage loss to Jamie Varner at UFC 146 in his last outing, as he tapped out Lucas Martins with strikes at UFC on FX 7 in January. Barboza is 5-1 in UFC action to date.

UFC 162 will be headlined by a middleweight bout between champion Anderson Silva rising contender Chris Weidman.