Emmett-Holtzman, Aliev-Velickovic Added to UFC on Fox 22

The final Ultimate Fighting Championship event of the year on Fox is rounding into shape as the Las Vegas-based promotion announced two more bouts to its Dec. 17 UFC on Fox 22 card. A lightweight scuffle between Josh Emmett and Scott Holtzman has been tacked onto the marquee, as has a welterweight kerfuffle featuring Sultan Aliev taking on Bojan Velickovic.

Holtzman rushed out to a 7-0 start to his pro mixed martial arts career before making his UFC debut, where he plucked Anthony Christodoulou’s air and submitted him via rear-naked choke in the third at UFC Fight Night 73 last August. A decision loss to Drew Dober followed, but the MMA Lab fighter rebounded in July with a points win over Cody Pfister. “Hot Sauce” is looking to build onto that win against Emmett, an undefeated Team Alpha Male product who is fresh of a split decision win over Jon Tuck at UFC Fight Night 87 in May.

Russia’s Aliev is aiming to get back on track as his UFC debut in January was a disaster. Aliev was knocked out by Kenny Robertson in January at UFC on Fox 14 and his fight with Velickovic is a chance to redeem himself. Velickovic, meanwhile, had won five straight before struggling to a draw with Michael Graves at UFC 201. The Serbian hasn’t lost in nearly two years and wants to keep it that way when he locks horns with Aliev.

UFC of Fox 22 will be headlined by popular crossover fighter Paige VanZant continuing her post-Dancing with the Stars stint by colliding with Michelle Waterson. Also set for the marquee will be Mickey Gall taking on polarizing Sage Northcutt in a matchup of young lions while Alan Jouban will oppose Mike Perry. Bryan Barberena will square off with Colby Covington as well.

UFC on Fox 22 will take place at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., and will be televised live on both UFC Fight Pass and Fox.