With UFC fighter Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson moving to the flyweight division, his former opponent, Eddie Wineland (18-8-1) is now set to meet recent “TUF” 14 participant Johnny ‘Brutal’ Bedford (18-9-1) at the upcoming FOX show in Chicago.
The announcement was made by the promotion on Wednesday at UFC.com.
“With Demetrious Johnson joining the flyweight division, former bantamweight champ Eddie Wineland will now be facing TUF 14 standout Johnny Bedford on January 28th in Chicago,” said UFC president Dana White today. Both fighters have verbally agreed to the bout.
UFC on FOX 2 (aka UFC on FOX: Evans vs. Davis) is scheduled to take place on January 28 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Wineland, the first ever WEC bantamweight champ, has yet to pick up a victory in the Octagon going 2-0 so far. His last fight was versus Joseph Benavidez at UFC on Versus 5, losing by decision in that matchup. Before that he also dropped a decision to another Team Alpha Male fighter, Urijah Faber at UFC 128. The bout was Wineland’s debut and ended a four fight win streak.
Bedford was a member of Team Mayhem during last seasons “The Ultimate Figther” series, and was eliminated in the semi-finals by teammate John Dodson. ‘Brutal’ debuted earlier this month at the “TUF 14 Finale” against cast mate Louis Gaudinot. Bedford would go on to earn a third round TKO victory, extending his win streak to two, putting his record at 7-1 in his last eight matches.
I think Bedford will hold the edge in this one despite the similar records between the two. Wineland is fighting for his job and may be a bit tentative to engage, while Bedford is relatively new to the Octagon and will be looking to make a statement in the bantamweight division.