Report: Jack Hermansson vs. Marvin Vettori Targeted For New UFC Vegas 16 Main Event

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari - Zuffa LLC & Zuffa LLC

For the second week running, the UFC are in need of a new headliner on short-notice. Following the cancellation of Jack Hermansson's already reworked main event opposite Kevin Holland, after the latter had returned a positive test result for the novel coronavirus, the promotion is currently targeting Marvin Vettori as a short-notice replacement to keep Hermansson on the card. 

Hermansson, who was initially scheduled to meet with former welterweight title challenger, Darren 'The Gorilla' Till, was then penned opposite the above-mentioned, Holland after the Liverpudlian had suffered a setback following an ACL injury he suffered against Robert Whittaker earlier this year. News of the promotion's plans to book Hermansson against Vettori was first penned by ESPN MMA reporter, Ariel Helwani. 

For Italian contender, Vettori, the former Venator FC champion is currently slated to meet with one-time Strikeforce 185-pound best, Ronaldo Souza, with the promotion, instead hoping to pair him with Hermansson at next weekend's UFC Apex facility showcase.

Recently landing back in the win column, Swedish former Cage Warriors titleholder took home a highlight heel-hook submission win over Kelvin Gastelum in July at UFC Fight Island 2, finishing the Kings MMA staple in the early goings of the opening-round after a clever sweep from the submission threat.

Expected to be removed from the December 12th. UFC 256 event against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace, Souza, 27-year-old Trento native, Vettori has won his last three consecutively.

An eight-fight Octagon veteran, Vettori has managed consecutive decision wins over Cezar 'Mutante' Ferreira and The Ultimate Fighter 23 victor, Andrew Sanchez, before a UFC Vegas 2 rear-naked choke win over Karl Roberson. According to Helwani's report, contracts for the potential matchup have yet to be issued, however.