One of the craziest days for UFC matches being announced continued with the company confirming a lightweight fight between Sam Stout (19-8-1) and Isaac Vallie-Flagg (14-3-1) for UFC 161, the promotion’s debut in Winnipeg on June 15.
Both are veterans of the sport, with both men starting in the sport ten years ago.
Vallie-Flagg, who came to the UFC after the closing of Strikeforce, debuted on Feb. 2 in Las Vegas, winning a split decision over Yves Edwards in a fight that could have gone either way. Vallie-Flagg, a product of the Greg Jackson camp, hasn’t lost a fight since 2007, a streak that includes 11 wins and one draw. His last three victories, including wins over Brian Melancon and J.Z. Cavalcante, were won via split decision.
Vallie-Flagg will not be the crowd favorite against Stout, a native of London, Ont.
Stout will be fighting for the sixth time on a UFC event in Canada. An exciting fighter who has picked up four prior fight of the night bonuses, Stout is also coming off a split decision win, beating former Strikeforce fighter Caros Fodor at the recent UFC 157 show in Anaheim, Calif. But he’s only 2-3 in UFC fights in his home country.
It is not clear where this fight will be positioned on the show.