Denis Kang vs. "Professor X" at UFC 97

MMA Junkie has news that the UFC has signed talented French muay thai specialist Xavier Foupa-Pokam, known popularly as Professor X, to a contract, with his debut coming in April in Montreal at UFC 97 against Dennis Kang.

Cage Rage and Palace Fighting Championship veteran Xavier Foupa-Pokam (20-9 MMA, 0-0 UFC) and middleweight Denis Kang (31-11-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) have signed bout agreements to meet at UFC 97.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) learned of the bout late Thursday night from multiple sources close to the event.

Foupa-Pokam (20-9) has fought for promotions all over the globe, including Cage Rage in the UK, Jungle Fight in Brazil, and DEEP in Japan.  Known initially for his devastating standup skills, he has lately been using his lanky frame and rapidly-developing jiu-jitsu skills to submit nearly as many opponents as he has stopped with strikes.  Having clashed with notable fighters like Murilo "Ninja" Rua, Martin Kampmann, and Paul Daley in his career, Foupa-Pokam is also somewhat infamous for having 3 "DQ" losses on his record (one of which came against Kampmann), but will look to make a positive statement in his North American and UFC debut.  He trains with Cyrille Diabate's "Snake Team" in France.

Kang (31-11-1, 0-1 UFC) was a highly touted and experienced middleweight, expected to make an immediate impact at 185 upon his UFC debut earlier this month at UFC 93 against Alan Belcher.  Unfortunately, he may have overlooked "The Talent" and despite dominating both on the mat and on the feet in the early parts of the fight, Kang got sloppy and fell right into a guillotine choke from Belcher, ending his night in the second round.  Kang will hope to rebound and get his first UFC win in front of a hometown Canadian crowd in Montreal.