John Dodson-John Moraga Targeted for June 7 UFC Fight Night Show in Albuquerque

John Dodson will square off with John Moraga in his hometown on June 7. | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

Albuquerque radio station 104.1 The Edge first brought word of the bout, and Sherdog.com confirmed the planned matchup with a source close to the booking. The flyweights previously squared off a little more than three years ago, with Dodson defeating Moraga via unanimous decision at Nemesis Fighting “MMA Global Invasion” in December 2010. The June 7 event will serve as a Fight Night show, though broadcast plans have not yet been announced. Former lightweight champion Benson Henderson will headline the card, as “Smooth” takes on Jackson’s MMA rep Rustam Khabilov.

Dodson, 29, has won six of his last seven fights, with his only loss in that span coming to reigning flyweight king Demetrious Johnson. “The Magician” last competed on Oct. 19, when he knocked out former Tachi Palace Fights champ Darrell Montague at UFC 166. The “TUF 14” winner was then expected to return to the cage on Dec. 14 to face Scott Jorgensen, but Dodson was forced to withdraw from the booking due to a knee injury.

Moraga, meanwhile, has won eight of his last nine heading into his showdown with Dodson. Like his upcoming opponent, Moraga’s lone setback also came at the hands of “Mighty Mouse,” as Johnson submitted the Arizona Combat Sports rep last July. The 30-year-old returned to the Octagon this past January, taking a split decision from Dustin Ortiz at UFC Fight Night 35.