Thomas Almeida Battles Brad Pickett At UFC 189

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Thomas Almeida (pictured) has quietly compiled a perfect 18-0 professional record. The fast-rising 23-year-old will face his toughest test to date when he battles veteran Brad Pickett at UFC 189.

The UFC announced the bantamweight affair Monday via Twitter.

The July 11 event takes place inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Almeida is just nine days removed from posting a TKO victory over Yves Jabouin at UFC 186. “Thominhas” had competed in smaller promotions before getting called up to the big leagues two bouts ago.

Picket, meanwhile, returns to the bantamweight division after an unsuccessful stint at flyweight which saw him go 1-2. “One Punch” most recently dropped a split decision to Chico Camus in November.

Here is the show’s updated lineup:

Brad Pickett vs. Thomas Almeida

John Hathaway vs. Gunnar Nelson

Mike Swick vs. Alex Garcia

Brandon Thatch vs. John Howard

Dennis Bermudez vs. Jeremy Stephens

Matt Brown vs. Tim Means

Rory MacDonald vs. Robbie Lawler (UFC welterweight champion)

Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo (UFC featherweight champion)