Few Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) prospects possess the budding potential that Lightweight hopeful James Vick does. He’s a green 29 years old, has never been defeated in his professional career (9-0), and has quickly become one of the best range strikers at 155 pounds.
Vick’s recent Octagon victory over Glaico Franca at UFC 197 extended his divisional win streak to five. He has dismantled every opponent the promotion has thrown his way and has undoubtedly earned the right to test the top 15.
Well, luckily for Vick, he will have the opportunity to step in on short notice at UFC 199 on June 4 to fight Lightweight mainstay Evan Dunham (currently ranked No. 14). Vick broke the news via Instagram after Leonardo Santos was forced out of the bout due to an undisclosed injury:
This is a tremendous opportunity for “The Texecutioner” as he attempts to prove his budding title potential. As for Dunham, the veteran will have the chance to prove he’s capable of being more than just a divisional gatekeeper at 34 years of age.
UFC 199 will be headlined by a Middleweight title rematch between champion Luke Rockhold and former kingpin Chris Weidman, as well as a co-main event bout featuring the trilogy between UFC Bantamweight titleholder Dominick Cruz and long-time nemesis Urijah Faber.