Remember when I mentioned that the stacked ONE FC 5 card will have not only have several DREAM and URCC champions, but also former UFC champs? Well we've found out who it will be, as sources close to the situation have informed BloodyElbow.com that former UFC kingpins, Andrei Arlovski and Jens Pulver have both been tapped to compete at their August 31 event to be held in Manila, Philippines.
No opponents have been mentioned for either fighter thus far, but as always, we will keep you updated as the information comes in.
Related: Asian MMA: ONE FC 5 Rumors - 3 Gracies, Plus Multiple Champs From DREAM, URCC, and UFC
Following tough losses to top guys such as Fedor Emelianenko, Sergei Kharitonov, and Antonio Silva, Arlovski has rebounded well, winning 2-straight bouts in Pro-Elite, and will be looking to make it three in a row in ONE FC.
As for Pulver, who is one of the legends of the lighter weights, he has competed at several different divisions throughout his career, and has recently dropped down to flyweight. He last fought in Texas this past April, winning by decision.
The duo will join the list of participants for the card which already includes Shinya Aoki, Bibiano Fernandes, Renato Sobral, 3 Gracies, and several URCC Champions and Asian stars like Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon and Eric Kelly.
More news and rumors from the event after the jump. Follow me on twitter -- @antontabuena
- This August event in Manila will be run jointly by ONE FC and the URCC, and will have several champions from the Filipino promotion competing on the card.
- Also important news from the card, Ole Laursen has unfortunately been pulled off the event, and won't be competing on the card.
- Sources close to the promotion have also informed us that Renato Sobral, or Babalu, has once again been offered to face Melvin Manhoef. Negotiations are still in the early stages though, so there is still a chance that bout doesn't push through. The last time the promotion tried to book the fight, one of the issues mentioned was the weight, as Manhoef has been competing at 185 lbs, while Babalu last fought at 205 lbs. We'll keep you updated as the situation develops.
- As for opponents for the former UFC champs, as mentioned, they haven't been finalized yet, although Rolles Gracie is the only heavyweight named to be on the card.