As if UFC 189 didn’t have enough European flavor with Irishman Conor McGregor in the headlining spot, the UFC announced on Wednesday he’ll have some company.
A welterweight bout between Icelandic star Gunnar Nelson and England’s John Hathaway has been added to the July 11 card, which takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
For the 26-year old Nelson (13-1-1), his sixth fight in the UFC will go down as the first time he has competed on American soil. Nelson — who is as known for his submission ability as he is his stoical demeanor in the cage — is coming off the first loss of his professional career. That came against Rick Story at UFC Fight Night 53 this past October in Stockholm, Sweden.
Though Hathaway (17-2) has fought nine times for Zuffa, this will be only the fifth time he has competed in the last five years. The 27-year old from Brighton, England, scored a resounding victory over veteran Diego Sanchez at UFC 114 in 2010. He was subsequently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and has competed much less frequently since then. Still, he has won three of his last four bouts. He suffered a loss his last time out at The Ultimate Fighter: China finale last March in Macau against Dong Hyun Kim.
UFC 189 will feature a featherweight title bout between McGregor and longtime champion Jose Aldo, as well as a middleweight championship bout between Rory MacDonald and Robbie Lawler.