Raphael Assuncao-Matthew Lopez, Sage Northcutt-Michel Quinones added to UFC Norfolk

There are two more fights on tap for the UFC’s return to Virginia on November 11th. Following a report from ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, UFC officials confirmed on Tuesday that top-5 bantamweight contender Raphael Assuncao will battle rising prospect Matthew Lopez (ranked #13), while Sage Northcutt returns to lightweight against Michel Quinones. The night’s main card airs live on Fox Sports 1.

Assuncao (25-5) has a record of 9-1 at bantamweight, with that sole defeat coming by unanimous decision in his UFC 200 rematch against T.J. Dillashaw. The 35-year-old Brazilian has since taken split decision victories over contenders Aljamain Sterling and Marlon Moraes. Lopez (10-1) was signed after his appearance on Dana White’s “Lookin’ For a Fight” series, but lost his UFC debut by decision to Rani Yahya. He’s since beaten Mitch Gagnon by decision and impressively finished Johnny Eduardo by TKO.

Northcutt (8-2) was actually supposed to fight at UFC 214 in July, but both he and John Makdessi were unable to fight due to injuries. The 21-year-old is returning to 155 after going 1-2 in 2016, with both losses coming against welterweights Bryan Barberena and Mickey Gall. Quinones (8-2) made his first Octagon appearance in June at UFC Oklahoma City, but was on the wrong end of a TKO against prospect Jared Gordon. Six of Quinones’ eight wins have come via stoppage.

UFC Fight Night: Norfolk is headlined by a lightweight matchup between former champion Anthony Pettis and Dustin Poirier.