(photo via Sherdog.com)
Australian fighter Anthony “The Hippo” Persosh (10-6) has had two stints with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but has yet to record a win in three fights with the promotion.
He made his debut against Jeff Monson as a heavyweight back in July of 2006 at UFC 61, losing by TKO. Then he’d appear again at UFC 66 against Christian Wellisch only to lose via unanimous decision. Just over two years later he’d return to the octagon this time fighting in his homeland of Australia, meeting Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovi? at UFC 110, only to lose via TKO (doctor stoppage).
Now “The Hippo” is back fighting in front of his hometown crowd once again, but he’s dropped to light heavyweight and will meet British fighter Tom Blackledge at the upcoming UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch event.
In an interview with UFC.com, Perosh talked about being given the shot at returning to the octagon for a fourth time and gave his thoughts on his opponent Blackledge.
“That very morning at the UFC press conference, Dana White said, ‘It’s amazing how many guys turn down opportunities. I didn’t want to be one of those guys who turned down an opportunity to fight one of the biggest names in the world in front of my home crowd,” he said. “So it was almost a no-brainer. From the footage I’ve seen he looks to be well rounded…It’ll be just like when I fought Cro Cop last year except this time I’ll be fighting a non-contender just like me. We’re both up and coming guys, and this time I’ll be ready.”