It's been a week filled with fight announcements, and we have two more to address for UFC 165 in Toronto. Sportsnet's Joe Ferraro reported (and the UFC later confirmed) on Twitter that Mark Bocek will make his return against Michel Prazeres, while Chris Clements makes his return against Stephen Thompson:
Bocek (11-5) was thoroughly dominated by Rafael dos Anjos in Montreal last November, denying him a chance at 3 wins in a row. The Ontario native fought on the UFC's two previous Toronto shows, losing to Ben Henderson at UFC 129 and defeating Nik Lentz at UFC 140. Prazeres (16-1) made his UFC debut in May on short notice vs. Paulo Thiago, losing a closely contested unanimous decision. Listed at just 5'6" there was just no way he was going to stay at welterweight, so it's no surprise that he's dropping to 155 now.
Thompson (7-1) got back in the win column with a decision over Nah-Shon Burrell at UFC 160. That offset a loss to Matt Brown at UFC 145. The former kickboxer is best known for his karate stance in his fights. Clements (11-4, 1 NC) has been out of action since a submission loss to Matt Riddle at UFC 149, but that loss is now a no contest because of Riddle's failed drug test. Technically, Clements is still unbeaten in the UFC at 1-0 with the 1 NC. This is clearly a striker vs. striker matchup that could produce some thrilling action.
UFC 165 is headlined by Jon Jones' light heavyweight title defense vs. Alexander Gustafsson. More fights will be announced in the coming weeks so stay tuned.
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