At a press event in the Philippines to promote UFC Fight Night 66, UFC officials announced that the promotion will be returning to Japan with an event headlined by heavyweight veterans Josh Barnett and Roy Nelson. Not only that, but Barnett and Nelson will compete as coaches in a new reality show entitled Road to UFC: Japan.
The fight itself is a high-stakes affair for both men, who desperately need a win to secure their place in the division.
Barnett has long been regarded as one of the top heavyweights in MMA, with a career that includes impressive runs in the UFC, Pride, Strikeforce and Pancrase. At 37 years old, however, his days in MMA are most certainly numbered and it is easy to question his motivation of late, with 18 months separating him from his last fight, while recently splitting time as a professional wrestling commentator and Metamoris star attraction.
Nelson, meanwhile, has been struggling mightily to win fights. Being 1-4 over the last two years, Big Country has been blown away by any top-10 fighter he has come across. While a brutal win over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is sandwiched between his losses, Nelson’s spot on the roster could be at risk with another loss.
While the bout is crucial for both men all on its own, the UFC is upping the stakes by putting them at the helm of Road to UFC: Japan. The series, much like the long-running The Ultimate Fighter, will feature a tournament between eight prospects who will compete with one another for a UFC contract.
The fight will take place on September 26 at the Saitama Super Arena. No other bouts have been announced, but the event will likely feature matchups involving cast members Road to UFC: Japan.
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