Welterweights Erick Silva and Rick Story are set to headline UFC Fight Night 70—also known as the finale of the fourth season of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil—in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 27.
Brazilian combat sports website Combate was the first to break the news, with MMAJunkie.com subsequently translating the report.
The fight pits two 30-year-old fighters against each other, and the similarities go deeper than age. As such, the matchup makes a lot of sense on paper. Given the likenesses and both fighters’ fan-friendly styles, the fight should be a good one for the cable TV event.
Though both have enjoyed steady employment in the UFC and some notable wins during that time, neither has quite managed to become a top contender in the crowded 170-pound division.
A win in this main event might change that—or it might not.
An impressive or emphatic victory would be a significant step forward for either man. At the same time, given that neither fighter is or ever has been inside the division’s uppermost echelon, a win in and of itself, while impressive, might not be enough to serve as a stepping stone into that stratum.
Story (18-8) is probably the better-positioned fighter coming into the bout. The American college wrestler has won his last two contests and three of his last four. In his previous contest, he notched what may have been the best win of his pro career, taking a split decision over the heavily favored Gunnar Nelson.
Story is known for an aggressive, slugging style that earns him fans. He has become more well-rounded recently, using his formidable strength to good advantage and earning wins as well as admirers.
Silva (18-5-1) has also won two straight and three of his last four. In March, he dominated an aging Josh Koscheck and won by first-round submission. It was his second consecutive submission win.
Nevertheless, Silva arguably does not have a recent win as impressive as Story’s defeat of Nelson. Either way, though, the two welterweights are evenly matched.
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