Shamil Gaziev could face Kennedy Nzechukwu at UFC event in Sacramento

UFC heavyweight Shamil Gaziev could make his next Octagon appearance on Aug. 22 at UFC Fight Night 285 in Sacramento. According to multiple credible sources, the Dagestan-born fighter, who represents Bahrain, is expected to face American heavyweight Kennedy Nzechukwu.

Gaziev, 36, enters the matchup on a two-fight skid. In his most recent outings, he suffered stoppage losses to Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Brando Pericic. Before joining the UFC, Gaziev competed across several promotions, including in Russia, where he picked up two wins under the MMA Series banner.

Nzechukwu, 34, is also winless in his past two fights. The American was submitted by Valter Walker via heel hook before fighting Marcus Almeida to a draw.