It’s a pretty safe bet that someone will get knocked out when Japanese legend Takanori Gomi takes on up-and-coming lightweight Myles Jury on September 20 at Saitama Super Arena outside of Tokyo.
The bout was first reported Wednesday night by Damon Martin of FoxSports.com.
Gomi, “The Fireball Kid,” (35-9-1, 4-4 UFC) is a mainstay on UFC Japan cards. Though he is 35 years old and diminishing as a fighter, he still carries major punching power and a dogged drive to win, not to mention a titanic reputation as a former Pride Grand Prix and lightweight champion.
He last fought in April at UFC 172 in Baltimore, when he earned a decision win (and a Fight of the Night bonus) over Isaac Vallie-Flagg. It was his first fight in more than a year when he lost a lackluster split decision to Diego Sanchez in Japan.
On the other side of the Octagon, Jury (14-0) is on his way up. The 25-year-old has yet to lose, including in five contests in the UFC. He has a well-rounded game but enjoys going for the knockout blow, which has netted him five victories in his pro career.
Most recently, Jury dispatched Diego Sanchez, Mike Ricci, Ramsey Nijem and Michael Johnson. A defeat of Gomi might not be his most impressive win, but it would certainly be the most famous name on his list.
Very recently, Jury was linked to a date with UFC iconoclast Nate Diaz, though it appears Diaz did not sign on for the fight, probably as a result of his ongoing dispute with UFC brass over payment.
Diaz fight was taken off the table & got another big one u will love, & confirmed to. Details coming soon. http://t.co/P2vU1JEGSKhttp://t.co/P2vU1JEGSK”>http://t.co/P2vU1JEGSK href=”https://twitter.com/JuryJJ”>@JuryJJ
— Myles Jury (@FuryJury) July’>https://twitter.com/FuryJury/statuses/484152733297950720″>July 2, 2014
Also scheduled for the UFC Fight Night 52 card, scheduled to go down September 20, are super-hitting heavyweights Roy Nelson and Mark Hunt, who will top the card in the main event.
In the women’s bantamweight division, Miesha Tate is scheduled to welcome super prospect Rin Nakai to the UFC. Flyweights Chris Cariaso and Japanese up-and-comer Kyoji Horiguchi also are set to do battle in Saitama.
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