The year-end UFC 219 event has a new major addition.

Edson Barboza (19-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) today announced he’s fighting fellow lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) at the event.

UFC officials subsequently made a formal announcement (via Twitter):

A luta que todos esperavam agora é oficial! #UFC219 https://t.co/aGNK5HLobt — UFC Brasil (@ufc_brasil) October 27, 2017

UFC 219 takes place Dec. 30 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass, though the full fight card and bout order haven’t been set.

Nurmagomedov is No. 4 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA lightweight rankings, and Barboza is No. 6.

“I have a big announcement for you guys: I will fight on Dec. 30, Las Vegas, against Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Barboza said today at a Q&A prior to today’s UFC Fight Night 119 ceremonial weigh-ins in Sao Paulo. “I know it’s going to be a big war. You guys know I love war, so definitely be ready for this, guys. I hope you guys don’t blink. This fight is going to be a big war. I’m ready for this.”

Barboza, a 31-year-old Brazilian, has been a longtime contender at 155 pounds, though he’s previously struggled in key bouts that cost him potential title shots. However, this will surely be another crucial opportunity for him thanks to his current three-fight winning streak, which includes a recent flying-knee knockout of Beneil Dariush in March.

Barboza, who’s now recovered from a shoulder injury, recently called for a fight with Nurmagomedov – likely knowing a victory could earn him his long-awaited first UFC title shot.

Barboza, though, has to hope the often-injured Nurmagomedov stays healthy enough to get to the fight, where the 29-year-old Russian looks for his ninth straight UFC victory and 25th consecutive win overall.

Nurmagomedov, a dangerous wrestler and sambo champion, hasn’t fought since November 2016, when he scored a submission victory over Michael Johnson at UFC 205. It’s one of just two fights since 2014 due to Nurmagomedov’s string of injuries, as well as a UFC 209 weight cut that went awry.

Assuming Nurmagomedov stays healthy and makes it to UFC 219, striker Barboza doesn’t expect ground specialist Nurmagomedov to present any issues on the mat – assuming he can get the bout there.

“It’s no secret (Nurmagomedov is a ground specialist),” Barboza told a fan at today’s Q&A. “Everyone knows my game. For them to see my jiu-jitsu, they have to take me down. Let’s see if he’ll succeed.”

The latest UFC 219 card includes:

Edson Barboza vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov

Dominick Cruz vs. Jimmie Rivera

Cynthia Calvillo vs. Carla Esparza

Matheus Nicolau vs. Louis Smolka

Carlos Condit vs. Neil Magny

Khalil Rountree vs. Gokhan Saki

Rick Glenn vs. Myles Jury

Emil Meek vs. Kamaru Usman

Marc Diakiese vs. Dan Hooker

For more on UFC 219, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.