The Brazilian light heavyweight confirmed the bout via Instagram on Thursday, although the matchup has yet to be announced by the organization. UFC 205 takes place at Madison Square Garden and marks the promotion’s first-ever event in the Empire State. The card is also expected to include a welterweight duel between Robbie Lawler and Donald Cerrone as well as a lightweight clash pitting Al Iaquinta against Thiago Alves.
Lima, 34, has won three of four in the Octagon since making his UFC debut in May 2014. Most recently, “Pezao” submitted Clint Hester with an arm-triangle choke 4:35 into the opening round of their bout at UFC 197.
A native of Bellmore, N.Y., Villante has compiled a 4-4 mark during his promotional tenure but has lost two of his last three appearances. In his last outing, Villante dropped a unanimous verdict against Ilir Latifi at UFC 196.