USA TODAY Sports
The UFC has been steadily adding bouts to their busy schedule for the early part of 2013, and two more have surfaced. One involves two Ultimate Fighter finalists, while the other involves a once-prized prospect moving over from Strikeforce. The first is TUF 16 vs. TUF: The Smashes at UFC 158 in Montreal (via TUF on FX twitter):
#TUF News: @mikeyricci to take on Colin @dr_freakshow Fletcher at #UFC158. Smashing!
— TUF on FX (@TUFonFX) January 23, 2013
Ricci (7-3) was a big favorite going into the TUF 16 finals against Colton Smith, but was out-wrestled and dropped a decision. He'll fight in his home country against Fletcher (8-2), who lost a unanimous decision to Norman Parke in the Smashes lightweight final. He still managed to earn a UFC contract though, obviously.
The other announced bout will take place at UFC on Fox 7 on April 20th in San Jose, and features a former Strikeforce light heavyweight (via MMA Opinion):
Clifford Starks vs Yoel Romero set for UFC on FOX 7.
— MMA Opinion (@MMA_Opinion) January 23, 2013
Romero (4-1) was an Olympic silver medalist in freestyle wrestling for his native Cuba in 2000. He made his Strikeforce debut at 205 against Rafael Cavalcante in September 2011, but got knocked out in the second round after not engaging much at all before that. Starks (8-1) is coming off a loss to Ed Herman via submission at UFC 143, and is 1-1 in the UFC overall. The bout will take place at middleweight.
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