Mike Ricci is getting right back to work.
Less than a week after the former UFC fighter defeated Jorge Gurgel at Titan FC 27, the promotion has booked Ricci vs. George Sotiropoulous for Titan FC 28, according to Titan FC president and CEO Jeff Aronson. Aronson said it “looks like” the event will take place April 25, but that date has not been set in stone. The promotion is expected to announce a venue for the event in the coming days, as well.
Following his release from the UFC last year, Ricci (9-4) promised to finish every opponent on his road back to the big show.
“I do know that every fight that takes place here on in until I get back to the UFC is going to be a finish,” Ricci said on an Oct. 2013 episode The MMA Hour. “I’m going to go on the record and say it. I’m going to beat everyone and I’m going to finish everyone as well.”
He kept his promise last Friday night when he defeated Gurgel via first-round TKO in his first fight since his release from the UFC.
This will mark Sotiropoulous’ (14-6) first fight since the UFC let him go late last year. The Australian has lost his last four in a row after winning eight in a row. In fact, he hasn’t won since a Nov. 2010 win over Joe Lauzon at UFC 123.
Also scheduled for Titan FC 28 is Vinny Magalhaes vs. Jason Brilz and Dave Herman vs. D.J. Linderman. The main card will air on CBS Sports Network.