Vera (23-10-1 MMA, 15-9 UFC) meets Mario Bautista (15-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) in a UFC Fight Night event on May 3 in Des Moines, Iowa ( ESPN+ ). X user TuckTalksMMA first reported the news, which Bautista subsequently confirmed on his Instagram stories. Vera confirmed he’s fighting May 3.

The UFC is heading to Des Moines, Iowa on May 3rd and we are learning about a banger of a fight that’s going to serve as the co-main event. Tuck Talks MMA was the first to report that former title challenger and 7th ranked Marlon “Chito” Vera (23-10-1) will be taking on 10th ranked Mario Bautista (15-2).

Marlon “Chito” Vera looks to get back on track a little over a year after fighting for the UFC bantamweight title. Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Vera is set to face surging contender Mario Bautista at UFC Des Moines.

Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo aren't the only bantamweight contenders fighting at UFC Des Moines... On May 3 at the Wells Fargo Arena, the UFC will hold their first event in Des Moines, Iowa since UFC 26 in the year 2000.