Diego Sanchez vs. Michel Pereira Added to UFC Rio Rancho Lineup

Diego Sanchez will get to compete in his home state when he faces Michel Pereira at UFC Fight Night in Rio Rancho, N.M., on Feb. 15.

The Las Vegas-based promotion announced the welterweight bout on Wednesday. UFC Rio Rancho takes place at the Santa Ana Star Center and is headlined by a light heavyweight rematch between Jan Blachowicz and Corey Anderson.

Sanchez re-signed with the organization after concluding his previous contract with a decision loss to Michael Chiesa at UFC 239 in July. That snapped a two-fight winning streak for “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 1 winner, who was coming off back-to-back triumphs over Mickey Gall and Craig White.

One of the most flamboyant strikers to enter the promotion in recent memory, Pereira debuted in the Octagon with a memorable first-round KO of Danny Roberts at UFC Fight Night 152 in May. However, he struggled mightily in his next outing, losing a lackluster decision to Tristan Connelly at UFC Fight Night 158 on Sept. 14. The 26-year-old Brazilian is 23-10 with two no contests over the course of his professional career.