Former UFC lightweight Alex Da Silva will be looking to return to the winning column at UAE Warriors 42 later this month.
Da Silva (21-5) will fight Ali Mashrabov (13-11) in a 160-pound bout at the event, which is scheduled to take place on May 20, 2023 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Joining Da Silva against Mashrabov in Emirates Warriors 42 will be a preliminary tag match featuring Brazilian Renan Oliveira (8-0), in his promotional debut against returning Russian Amr Magomedov (5-0).
A source familiar with the situation told Cageside Press of the bookings on Tuesday. The promotion has not yet officially announced the matches.
Da Silva made his UAE Warriors debut in his final fight, dropping a split decision to Makasharib Zinokov. The Brazilian competed for the UFC from 2019 to 2022, building a 1-3 record after sharing a cage with the likes of Brad Riddle and Joe Solecki, among others.
Prior to his stint in the UFC, Alex Da Silva was well traveled on the regional scene, making stops at Brave CF, SBC, and Aspera FC, scoring 13-0 in the latter.
Mashrabov will enter the fray having a 2-1 record in his last three fights, all of which have come under the WEF banner.
Featherweight Oliveira previously competed with Jungle Fights, Shooto Brasil and Future MMA, while Magomedov returned to the promotion after his hiatus at Eagle FC. The pair meet in a lightweight match.
UAE Warriors 42 Live Streaming UFC Fight Pass on May 20, and is part of the promotion’s double weekend, where UAE Warriors 41: Arabia will take place on May 19.