Tofiq Musayev would likely like to have his UFC debut back.
A highly-touted free agent import who found success in RIZIN and Bellator, Musayev (22-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC) will get a second UFC opportunity April 4 when he takes on promotional newcomer Samuel Sanches (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
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Two people with knowledge of the matchup recently informed MMA Junkie of the booking but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. The bout was first reported by Leo Guimaraes.
Musayev, 36, is a former RIZIN tournament champion. He debuted for the UFC in his native Azerbaijan in June and lost by first-round submission to Myktybek Orolbai. However, the bout was contested at 165 pounds. The loss snapped a two-fight winning streak.
Sanches, 23, wowed audiences watching at home when he promptly smoked Cage Warriors standout Chasen Blair on Dana White’s Contender Series to earn a UFC contract in September. The win was his eighth in a row and signified his eighth career knockout/TKO.
The updated April 4 lineup includes:
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Virna Jandiroba vs. Tabatha Ricci
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Tofiq Musayev vs. Samuel Sanches
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Hailey Cowan vs. Alice Pereira
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Alessandro Costa vs. Stewart Nicoll
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Dione Barbosa vs. Melissa Gatto
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Azamat Bekoev vs. Tresean Gore
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Tommy McMillen vs. Manolo Zecchini
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Guilherme Pat vs. Thomas Petersen
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This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Former RIZIN star Tofiq Musayev booked for second UFC try
