Ilir Latifi makes his heavyweight debut against Derrick Lewis in February, says website

I. Latifi (photo) could face D. Lewis in February. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ilirlafiti

After declaring his desire to play at heavyweight (up to 120,2kg), the Swede Ilir Latifi his new fight in the top division could be confirmed soon. The athlete must face the former challenger for the division title, Derrick Lewis, in an event that will take place on February 8th. The information was released by 'ESPN' reporter, Brett Okamoto, on his official Twitter account. The location has not yet been confirmed.

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“The UFC is finalizing negotiations for the fight between Derrick Lewis e Ilir Latifi for February 8th”, wrote the journalist.

Recently, the Swede had revealed his desire to take a risk in one of the most dangerous divisions in the organization. Coming from two consecutive defeats, Latifi believes she can do well in the category, which today has Stipe Miocic as champion.

“I have plans to fight at heavyweight. We will see. Both divisions are difficult. Light heavyweight is just as complicated as heavyweight. In both, the opponents hit hard. Among the light heavyweights, they are faster. There is an advantage among the heavier ones”, said the athlete.

The athlete, on the same opportunity, took the opportunity to suggest Lewis as a possible opponent. The idea is to face a fighter in a good position in the group dominated by Miocic.

“I would like to fight any top 10 athlete, maybe Derrick Lewis”, said Latifi.

It seems that Ultimate will fulfill the Swede's wish and promote the fight to take place at the beginning of next year.

While Ilir needs to recover from two consecutive defeats, Lewis has recently managed to recover from his setbacks to junior gypsy e Daniel Cormier, in a fight for the heavyweight belt, which took place in November of last year. At the beginning of the month, the North American emerged victorious in the confrontation against Blagoy Ivanov, UFC 244.

If the fight is confirmed, Latifi will have the chance to play against the fifth in the division rankings. A victory could then put the Swede at the forefront of the category.

At 36 years old, the Swede has 22 fights, with 14 wins, seven losses and one unsuccessful fight in his professional MMA career.