Anthony Perosh vs. Nick Penner Set for UFC on FX 2

It's no surprise that the "The Hippo" has landed on the UFC's FX-televised card in Sydney, Australia, scheduled for March 3rd. The UFC announced last night that Australian MMA pioneer, Anthony Perosh, will face newcomer, Nick Penner, in a light heavyweight bout:

"11-1 light heavyweight prospect Nick Penner has verbally agreed to make his UFC debut against Anthony ‘The Hippo’ Perosh," said UFC Managing Director of International Development, Marshal Zelaznik.
"Perosh is coming off back-to-back submission wins and looks to make it three in a row in his home country."

It is surprising to some that the aging BJJ black belt is on a two-fight winning streak, considering his return to the UFC in early 2010 was seen by many simply as an effort to provide Mirko Filipovic with a warm local body to wail away on at UFC 110. Although Perosh lost, he put in a valiant effort and has since rebounded with the two wins (both by rear naked choke) against Tom Blackledge and Cyrille Diabate.

Penner is a native of Manitoba and has competed mainly on the Canadian regional scene, including fights for King of the Cage and Maximum Fighting Championship. The most high profile name on his resume is Eric Esch, better known as "Butterbean" to boxing fans, who tapped to strikes from Penner back in 2007. Penner is currently riding an eight-fight winning streak that dates back to 2008.

Anthony "The Hippo" Perosh (12-6)
W Cyrille Diabate (submission) - UFC 138
W Tom Blackledge (submission) - UFC 127
L Mirko Filipovic (TKO) - UFC 110

Nick Penner (11-1)
W Tim Chemelli (unam. decision) - AMMA 8
W Jon Ganshorn (TKO) - Bully's Fight Night 2
W Ryan Fortin (submission) - MFC 23

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