The Hampton, Tennessee native looks to move to 3-0 under the RFA banner as he goes for his eighth straight victory in the lightweight contest.
Townsend has already dispatched of two UFC veterans in his first two RFA fights, as he topped Yuri Villefort via unanimous decision at the RFA vs. Legacy Superfight event in May, and then followed that up with a unanimous decision over Ryan Roberts at RFA 30 in September.
“I’m excited to close out a great year as the main event of RFA 33,” stated Townsend. “I get to fight another tough UFC vet in his hometown and show the world why I’m the best fighter outside the UFC.”
Chavez hails from nearby Tustin, California and he posted a 1-2 record in the Octagon including a split decision win over Yosdenis Cedeno at UFC 170. He received his pink slip from the UFC after back-to-back losses, but he rebounded with a first round knockout victory over Justin Buchholz at TWC 23 in October.
A total of five bouts were announced for the event, which will air live on AXS TV Fights on Dec. 11.
Check out the current card below:
RFA 33 card
Adam Townsend vs. Ernest Chavez
Joe Merritt vs. Felipe Fogolin
Boston Salmon vs. TBD
Khalil Rountree vs. Justin Polendey
Jordan Johnson vs. Luc Bondole