A featherweight tilt between Erik Koch (13-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) and Ricardo Lamas (12-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is set to go down in Chicago on January 26 for UFC on FOX 6.

The bout was originally targeted for the year-end UFC 155 event in Las Vegas, but now finds a home in the Windy City. UFC officials recently stated that the winner ‘could’ be in position for a shot at the 145-pound championship.

Koch most recently fought in September of 2011, where he defeated “TUF 12″ winner Jonathan Brookins by unanimous decision. The win improved “New Breed’s” octagon record to an undefeated 2-0 in the UFC. Since his lone pro loss to Chad Mendes at WEC 47, Koch has gone 4-0.  Koch, who had been scheduled to meet featherweight champion Jose Aldo (21-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) at both UFC 149 and UFC 153, was forced out of the title fight(s) due to injury. With a win over Lamas, Koch could find himself next in line to face the winner of Aldo vs Edgar, which is set for UFC 156 in February.

Meanwhile, Lamas is coming off a big unanimous-decision win over Hatsu Hioki at UFC on FX 4 in June. The upset of the Japanese fighter (whom many considered the #2 featherweight in the world at the time) moved Lamas’ UFC record to a perfect 3-0. Prior to the win over Hioki, Lamas had a “Submission of the Night” win over Cub Swanson at UFC on FOX 1 and a knockout victory over Matt Grice in June 2011.

UFC on FOX 6 takes place January 26 at Chicago’s United Center and will mark the promotion’s second trip to that venue. UFC on FOX 2 took place there this past January. The main card will air live on FOX with prelims on FUEL TV.

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