Pettis vs. Morono Added to UFC Fight Night 183; ‘Wonderboy’-Neal Elevated to Main Event

There are a couple key updates to the UFC Fight Night 183 card in the wake of Leon Edwards’ positive COVID-19 test and the subsequent cancellation of his headlining bout against Khamzat Chimaev.

First, a welterweight clash pitting Anthony Pettis against Alex Morono is a late addition to the Dec. 19 card. ESPN was first to report that both fighters have agreed to meet at the event.

As a result of the loss of the original main event, a 170-pound showdown between Stephen Thompson and Geoff Neal has been elevated to the featured attraction. Thompson vs. Neal will now be a five-round fight.

UFC Fight Night 183 takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and ranks as one of the promotion’s most stacked Fight Night offerings of the year — even without Edwards vs. Chimaev. In addition to Thompson vs. Neal, the card also includes notable fights such as Marlon Moraes vs. Rob Font, Jose Aldo vs. Marlon Vera, Misha Cirkunov vs. Ryan Spann and Alexandre Pantoja vs. Manel Kape, to name a few.

A former lightweight champion, Pettis halted a two-bout skid at UFC 249, where he captured a unanimous decision triumph against Donald Cerrone.

Morono has won four of his last five Octagon appearances and is coming off a three-round verdict over Rhys McKee at UFC Fight Night 182 on Nov. 14.