UFC reportedly adds Jussier da Silva-John Dodson to upcoming Fox card

TUF 14 winner John Dodson

World-ranked flyweight Jussier da Silva will make his UFC debut against TUF winner John Dodson at UFC on Fox 5. The card takes place Oct. 5 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Brazilian MMA media hub Tatame.com broke the news of the fight earlier this week.

Da Silva burst onto the scene in 2009 when he upset then-Shooto world champion Shinichi “BJ” Kojima in a non-title fight. He went on to hold the Shooto South American title and fight for Tachi Palace Fights. His lone career loss came against UFC flyweight tournament competitor and former TPF champion Ian McCall. “Formiga” is currently riding a five-fight winning streak that includes a decision victory over perennial flyweight contender Mamoru Yamaguchi.

Dodson, a natural flyweight, competed extensively at higher weights because opportunities at 125 pounds were slim. He entered and won the bantamweight tournament on the 14th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Before signing with the UFC, Dodson defeated Jessie Riggleman and dropped controversial decisions to both Mike Easton and Yasuhiro Urushitani.

Later this year, Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson will face off in the finals of the UFC’s first flyweight tournament for the vacant title.

A heavyweight bout featuring former Elite XC champion Antonio Silva and Travis Browne is expected to headline the UFC’s return trip to Minnesota.