More recently, Kalajdzic stopped former WBC champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk in the seventh round in February. He was dropped twice before coming back to finish Gvozdyk, another reminder that his power can change a fight even when things aren’t going his way.

That makes Richards (20-4-1) a useful test of how far Kalajdzic can take his recent run.

Richards, 36, has shared the ring with Dmitry Bivol, Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson. He has won three straight since losing a decision to Hutchinson in June 2024, stopping Boris Crighton, Padraig McCrory and Dan Azeez.

The Londoner has the boxing ability and experience to make Kalajdzic work for openings rather than simply loading up on heavy shots. The difference is that Kalajdzic doesn’t necessarily need to control every round. His power gives him a way to turn the fight around quickly if Richards makes a mistake.

A win over Richards would give Kalajdzic another recognizable name and put him in position for a larger light heavyweight fight under the Zuffa banner.

The card will be headlined by heavyweight Johnny Fisher against an opponent still to be announced. Lee Cutler vs. Louis Greene is also scheduled for the event.