Had it not been for the fabulous world of Twitter, or rather Dana White‘s compulsive obsession to use the Internet forum, the fans would be missing out on some exciting news.
Just last night, the UFC President announced a welterweight collision which will pit contenders Josh Koscheck and Johny Hendricks on the next FOX card.
Now, just a few moments ago, White made yet another fight official for the event, as middleweight standouts Alan Belcher and Rousimar Palhares will meet in a pivotal 185 pound contest.
“Alan Belcher vs Rousimar Palhares fight added to FOX card!!!!!!,” exclaimed the UFC exec.
After a near career-threatening eye injury kept Belcher out of the Octagon for well over a year, the Arkansas native made an emphatic return to the cage when he blasted Jason MacDonald last September, making the Canadian tap due to mounted ground-and-pound blows in the first round.
Belcher is now riding a three-fight win streak, which includes victories over Wilson Gouveia and former title challenger Patrick Cote—stopping all before the final bell.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Rousimar Palhares, who recently took home silver in the prestigious ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships, has been on a tear as of late. After succumbing to blows to former contender Nate Marquardt, “Toquinho” has gone undefeated in his last three bouts and has looked impressive all the while.
Recently, Palhares capped off his three-fight win streak with a crushing victory over collegiate wrestler Mike Massenzio, finishing off the New Jersey fighter with his patented heel hook. His submission victory took all of 63 seconds of cage time, and earned the evening’s “Submission of the Night” award.
The winner between Belcher and Palhares will move themselves into the upper echelon of the middleweight class, where either man will likely be within striking distance of a title shot.
UFC on FOX 3 takes place on May 5 at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where lightweights Nate Diaz and Jim Miller will take center stage in a five-round non-title main event, which will likely serve as a No. 1 contender battle.
It is unclear whether or not Palhares and Belcher will get air time on the live television broadcast.
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