Manzanares (photo via Phenom Management)

By FCF Staff

Resurrection Fighting Alliance has announced that Matt Manzanares will fight Leandro Higo, April 11th in in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to determine the promotion’s flyweight champion. The 125 pound championship was vacated by Zach Makovsky when he signed with the UFC last year.

Manzanares (6-2) hasn’t fought since RFA 11 in November, when he battled Makovsky for five rounds but lost by unanimous decision. Prior to the defeat Manzanares had scored wins over Kevin Gray and Steve Swanson.

“I’m ecstatic to be fighting for the RFA world title in my hometown in front of all of my friends and family,” Manzanares said in a press release from the promotion. “Leandro Higo is a very well-rounded fighter from a great camp. His jiu-jitsu is really good, but he’s also very aggressive and likes to bang, which plays more into my favor. I feel very blessed for this opportunity. RFA sees something in me and they believe in me. I want to prove them right by winning the world title right here in Cheyenne.”

Higo (13-2) will join the RFA having won four straight fights, and the Patricio “Pitbull” Freire trained fighter’s only loss since 2010 came against UFC vet Iliarde Santos.

“RFA is a great event and I hope to be very successful in it. I believe I can get a great exposure and the recognition of people and fighters all around the world by winning the belt,” stated Higo. “I know Matt Manzanares is a skilled fighter and was able to go five rounds with Zach Makovsky for RFA’s title. I’m sure we’ll have a great fight.”

The promotion has also announced that Raoni Barcelos (7-0) will fight lightweight Mark Dickman (8-1) in the co-main event.

RFA 14 will be hosted by the City of Cheyenne Ice and Events Center in Cheyenne, and the main card will be broadcast live on AXS TV.