The UFC’s highly anticipated move to Fox Sports 1 just got a little more interesting, as a bout between bantamweights Urijah Faber and Yuri Alcantara was just booked.
The news came from Las Vegas Sun reporter Case Keefer, who tweeted the matchup, which has since been confirmed by MMA Junkie, who spoke to UFC officials.
The bout will join six others to form a growing card that will take place at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts on August 17. Currently, a heavyweight affair between Alistair Overeem and Travis Browne is scheduled to headline.
While Faber vs. Alcantara won’t threaten to supplant Overeem vs. Browne for the honor of main event, it should prove a nice addition to the night.
Faber is one of the sport’s more recognizable names, and he continues to compete at a high level into the 10th year of his illustrious career. He will enter the contest riding a two-fight win streak, with both wins coming via rear-naked choke.
“The California Kid” will also enter the match having strung together seven consecutive non-title-fight victories, dating back to his WEC days.
In Alcantara, Faber finds a surprising opponent. Accustomed to battling more well-known foes, Faber may not be able to earn himself a title opportunity by getting a W at UFC on Fox Sports 1, but that doesn’t mean it will be a cake-walk for him.
Indeed, Alcantara has quietly established himself as one of the best unheralded competitors currently competing at 135. He owns a 4-1 UFC resume, and fought to a no-contest against Pedro Nobre, whom he was beating so handily that Nobre suffered an injury from punches to the back of the head that didn’t actually land. He also owns a win over Ricardo Lamas, beating him at WEC 53 in 2010.
And, although it won’t be the case for Faber, the UFC on Fox Sports 1 match represents a career-defining opportunity for Alcantara, who has the chance to earn himself a signature victory.
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