Megan Anderson set for UFC debut in Chicago

Former Invicta FC featherweight champion Megan Anderson (8-2-0) is set to make her highly anticipated UFC debut at UFC 225 in Chicago. Anderson will face former UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm (11-4-0) in the promotions first featherweight non-title fight.

The fight marks Holm’s return to the featherweight division after her defeat to 145lb champion Cris Cyborg at UFC 219.

Holm has had a difficult time since earning the UFC bantamweight title with her dramatic KO victory over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 in November 2015. The then-undefeated champion dropped the belt to Miesha Tate in her first title defence at UFC 196. Since becoming champion, Holm has lost four of her last five fights, including a three-fight losing streak. Her lone win since becoming champion came over Bethe Correia in June last year.

While a 1-4 record doesn’t look good, it is important to consider the calibre of opponents Holm has faced. Three of those losing efforts were title fights and the fourth came against bantamweight title challenger Valentina Shevchenko. Holm has once again refused to take a comfortable fight, opting instead to welcome Anderson to the UFC in what must surely be considered a bantamweight title eliminator.

We're @ufc official! See you in a few weeks Chicago 👋🏻 #ufc225 pic.twitter.com/q83Di3ZTOR

— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) April 13, 2018

Anderson is undefeated in her last four outings in Invicta, picking up two performance of the night bonuses and one fight of the night award along the way.

The 28-year old Australian was originally slated to make her UFC bow against reigning champion Cyborg (20-1-0, 1 n/c) at UFC 214. The fight fell apart a month before the event with Anderson citing personal issues.

UFC 225 will take place at the United Centre in Chicago and will be headlined by a middleweight title fight between Yoel Romero and reigning champion Robert Whittaker.