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World Series of Fighting 2 is returning next month, and the card is already filling up nicely. In addition to the main event of Andrei Arlovski vs. Anthony Johnson and co-main event of Tyson Nam vs. Marlon Moraes, three more familiar WEC and UFC faces have been added to the card. Former WEC middleweight champion Paulo Filho makes his promotional debut against Dave Branch, while TUF 2 alum and former UFC fighter Josh Burkman fights undefeated prospect Ryan LaFlare. Sherdog has the news:
WSOF 2 will also include a middleweight clash between former WEC titlist Paulo Filho and four-time UFC veteran David Branch as well as a 170-pound matchup pitting "The Ultimate Fighter 2" competitor Josh Burkman against the unbeaten Ryan LaFlare.
Branch went 2-2 in the UFC, but those two losses featured a Rousimar Palhares kneebar and the memorable slam KO loss to Gerald Harris (in an otherwise forgettable fight). He debuted in WSOF's inaugural show, defeating ex-UFC fighter Dustin Jacoby by decision.
Filho most recently TKOed Murilo Rua into retirement last September, snapping a 3 fight winless streak that included a loss to current UFC MW Ronny Markes. He was once regarded as an elite 185er until his bizarre loss to Chael Sonnen at WEC 36, where he missed weight and fought in a disoriented and drugged manner. His past substance abuse and mental problems have been well-documented over the years.
Burkman has won his last 3 fights, and most recently beat Gerald Harris by decision on the first WSOF card. He had a 10-fight run in the UFC from 2005-2008, evenly splitting the results at 5 wins and 5 losses. Since then he's won 6 of his last 7, with the lone loss coming against Jordan Mein.
LaFlare is a 29-year-old who sports a 7-0 professional record, with all wins coming via stoppage. His most notable win was against ex-WEC fighter Justin Haskins. His entire career has taken place with New Jersey's Ring of Combat promotion, so he remains in the Garden State for this one.
WSOF 2 will air live on NBC Sports Network at 9:30 PM ET/6:30 PM PT on March 23rd.
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