With Mehdi Baghdad getting the call up to the UFC, the RFA 35 main event will now be for the vacant RFA Lightweight Title, with Zach Juusola (11-3) against David Castillo (19-4).
Juusola is a former RFA title challenger who’s won 3 of his last 4, coming off a RFA 30 unanimous decision win over Robert Rojas Jr. Castillo is 3-2 in his last 5 and holds notable wins over the likes of Clay Collard, Ricky Musgrave, John Gunderson, and Jorge Lopez.
RFAfighting.com quote “I am excited to go fight for the RFA title in Utah,” stated Juusola. “This time I’m not leaving without the strap. My opponent is already nervous and for good reason. You will see the slickest, strongest, and most technical Juice yet on February 19th.”
RFAfighting.com quote “I’m really excited for this opportunity for myself and the Utah community as a whole. RFA is one of the biggest MMA shows to ever come to the state. Utah has a lot of MMA talent and a great fan base,” Castillo explained. “The chance to headline this card is big for me and the show. It guarantees a packed house since Utah fans know I’ve never been in a boring fight. The change of opponents won’t be a problem. At this level, everyone is going to be skilled in every aspect. Other than adjusting to fighting a southpaw, my approach will be the same against Juusola and I look forward to becoming the next RFA lightweight champion at RFA 35.”
The rest of the main card has also been announced with at Welterweight James Nakashima (4-0) faces Brad Darringotn (4-0), at Middleweight Dervin Lopez (7-3) squares off with Joe Rodriguez (7-3), and at Bantamweight Ricky Steele (4-0) clashes with Lynn Schulz (5-3).