(Tim who?)
UFC matchmaker Joe Silva has chosen a somewhat curious opponent for Yushin Okami for his next fight, considering that the only losses he’s had in the past three years came against arguably the number one and number two middleweights in the world.
The promotion announced today that Okami will lock horns with Tim Boetsch when the Octagon returns to “The Land of the Rising Sun” for UFC 144 on February 26.
In his last five bouts, “Thunder” only losses came against Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva. During that span, he also beat Mark Munoz, Nate Marquardt and Lino Linhares.
Having beaten Kendall Grove and Nick Ring — both by decision — in his last two outings since dropping to middleweight, Boetsch has not faced the level of competition that Okami has at 185. Prior to his latest two-fight win streak, “The Barbarian” was stopped by Phil Davis’ patented “Philmura” at UFC 123.
UFC 144 will also feature a main event featherweight championship bout between Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes.
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UFC 144
Saitama Super Arena
Saitama, Japan
February 26, 2011
Lightweight Championship Bout
Frankie Edgar vs. Benson Henderson
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. TBA
Yushin Okami vs. Tim Boetsch
Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Jake Shields