James Vick set to headline XMMA event against Bellator and PFL veteran Andre Fialho Jr.
James Vick has his first fight booked after being let go by the UFC.
Vick is set to headline an XMMA event on January 30 against Bellator and PFL veteran, Andre Fialho Jr., the promotion announced on social media. The fight will also take place at welterweight with the event will also stream live for free on their website.
James Vick vs. Andre Fialho added to XMMA on January 30th in Palm Beach, Florida. pic.twitter.com/4uqTkvArTX
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) January 13, 2021
The former lightweight contender has been on a skid ever since he headlined his first-ever UFC show against Justin Gaethje. Vick entered the bout on a winning streak while Gaethje dropped back-to-back fights. However, it was Gaethje winning by first-round knockout.
Following the loss to Gaethje, James Vick then dropped a decision to Paul Felder. He was then knocked out by Dan Hooker. After the three straight losses, the Texan moved up to welterweight and was knocked out by Niko Price. In his tenure in the UFC, James Vick went 9-5. He did have notable wins over Francisco Trinaldo, Joe Duffy, and Jake Matthews.
Andre Fialho Jr., meanwhile, is on a three-fight losing streak. The 26-year-old last fought back at LFA 92 in October. There, he dropped a decision to Antonio dos Santos Jr., before that he suffered a majority decision loss to Glacio Franca in PFL after being TKO’d by Chris Curtis at PFL 2019 1. The 26-year-old also fought in Bellator where he beat the likes of AJ Matthews, Rick Reger, and Manny Meraz.
This is no doubt a big fight for both men. If James Vick is going to get back to the UFC or sign with a big promotion he will need to win this fight. If Vick wins, it is likely Bellator, PFL, ONE Championship could all be interested in the UFC veteran who is a big name in the sport. For Fialho Jr., a win over Vick would be the biggest of his career and would likely earn him a contract in a major promotion.
