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Two grinding welterweights will face each other on October 5th in Minneapolis, as Aaron Simpson takes on Mike Pierce at UFC on FX 5. The news was confirmed by Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting:
The fifth installment of the UFC's fight series on FX has another bout. Aaron Simpson will continue his welterweight campaign as he takes on veteran Mike Pierce as part of the UFC on FX 5 fight card.
The match-up was confirmed by MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani.
Simpson, who just turned 38 two weeks ago, is making his 2nd appearance at welterweight. Originally scheduled to fight Jon Fitch at UFC on FUEL 4, he fought injury-replacement Kenny Robertson instead and won an easy decision. Before that, Simpson was 6-3 at middleweight including a FOTN win against Tom Lawlor.
Pierce is 6-3 in his UFC career (all taking place at 170 lbs) and has proven to be a tough outing even in his defeats against Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, and Johny Hendricks, with the latter two ending in split decisions. He is coming off a unanimous decision win over Carlos Eduardo Rocha at UFC on FX 3 in June.
It is unknown whether or not this bout will take place on the main card, but given neither man can be considered a "fan-favorite", this will probably take place on the prelims.
Aaron Simpson (12-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC)
W vs. Kenny Robertson via decision (Unanimous) - UFC on FUEL 4
L vs. Ronny Markes via decision (Split) - UFC on FUEL 1
W vs. Eric Shafer via decision (Unanimous) - UFC 136
Mike Pierce (14-5 MMA, 6-3 UFC)
W vs. Carlos Eduardo Rocha via decision (Unanimous) - UFC on FX 3
L vs. Josh Koscheck via decision (Split) - UFC 143
W vs. Paul Bradley via decision (Split) - UFC on FOX 1