The Jan. 20 card’s originally scheduled headliner, Leon
Edwards vs. Khamzat
Chimaev, was scrapped when Chimaev experienced complications
after testing positive for COVID-19 in early December. According to
a release, the plan is to reschedule Edwards vs. Chimaev for a
third time later this year.
UFC on ESPN 20 takes place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and will also
see Carlos
Condit face Matt Brown at
170 pounds, while Jimmie
Rivera takes on Pedro
Munhoz at bantamweight. The main card airs on ESPN and ESPN+ at
12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT, while the prelims begin on ESPN and ESPN+ at
9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT.
Chiesa, meanwhile, has emerged as a contender at 170 pounds since
moving up from lightweight in 2018. “The Ultimate Fighter 15”
winner has kicked off his welterweight run with victories against
Condit, Diego
Sanchez and Rafael dos
Anjos. “Maverick” went 7-4 during his stint at 155 pounds.