Andrei Arlovski
Former UFC champions Andrei ‘The Pit Bull’ Arlovski (17-9) and Jens ‘Lil Evil’ Pulver (26-16-1) appear to have their opponents for their debut bouts with the Asian based ONE Fighting Championship at the promotions upcoming ONE FC: ‘Destiny of Warriors’ event scheduled for August 31, 2012 at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines.
Unlike a certain Indian promotion who books big names to fight tomato cans, unless they are of course the tomato cans (I’m looking in your direction Bob Sapp), both former UFC champions face tough competition.
Arlovski faces current CFC vet, and reigning AFC heavyweight champ, Soa Palelei (17-3), while Pulver meets undefeated reigning URCC featherweight title holder Eric Kelly (7-0).
Arlovski has won two in a row, rebounding from a four fight losing streak, earning finishes under the ProElite banner. His last fight took place last November in Illinois with a knockout of Travis Fulton with one second on the clock.
‘The Hulk’ Palelei, who hales from Australia, has won seven straight fights, all of which have ended via TKO with only one bout making it into the second round. Palelei earned his last win in May over Bob Sapp at a CFC 21 event.
Pulver is 1-1 since debuting as a flyweight last December. He earned his first win at 145-lbs last April winning a decision at a local event in Texas versus Jesse Thorton.
‘The Natural’ Kelly is one of the top fighters coming out of the Philippines and is so far undefeated at 145-lbs. He has won six matches by submission and one by decision. His most recent win took place last month at ONE FC 4, earning a decision versus Bae Young Kwon.
The promotion is expected to confirm the bouts this week during a press conference set for July 18.