ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE
Soszynski Replaces Alexander, Bouts Added to UFC 101
By FCF Staff
Krzysztof Soszynski will compete in back-to-back UFC events, as the promotion confirmed this afternoon that the former “Ultimate Fighter” vet will replace the injured Houston Alexander at UFC 98 on May 23rd. Alexander, who was scheduled to fight Andre Gusmao, was forced to withdraw from the upcoming event with a broken hand.
Soszynski (17-8-1) fought just weeks ago on April 18th, at UFC 97 in Montreal, Quebec, and submitted Brian Stann with a first round Kimura. Gusmao (5-1) has not competed since last August, when he lost by Unanimous Decision to Jon Jones at UFC 87.
UFC 98 will take place May 23rd, in Las Vegas Nevada, and will be headlined by a light-heavyweight title fight between champion Rashad Evans and undefeated challenger, Lyoto Machida.
The UFC also confirmed several more bouts for the promotion’s upcoming Philadelphia debut, which will take place August 8th in the city’s Wachovia Center. In a notable middleweight clash, Kendall Grove (15-5) will look to build on his recent TKO stoppage of Jason Day, at UFC 96 on March 7th, against Ricardo Almeida (10-3). The accomplished jiu-jitsu practitioner last competed on April 1st, when he worked his way to a Unanimous Decision victory over Matt Horwich.
Neer
And in a compelling lightweight match-up between two experienced veterans, Kurt Pellegrino (13-4) will square off with Josh Neer (25-7-1). Pellegrino is coming off a submission victory over Rob Emerson at Fight Night 17 in February, while Neer was also victorious that night, submitting Mac Danzig with a second round triangle-choke.
Today’s confirmed additions to the UFC 101 card include:
Ricardo Almeida vs. Kendall Grove
Kurt Pellegrino vs. Josh Neer
Amir Sadollah vs. Josh Hendricks
Tamdan McCrory vs. John Howard
Matt Riddle vs. Dan Cramer
George Sotiropolous vs. Rob Emerson
Jesse Lennox vs. Danillo Villefort
UFC 101 will feature a lightweight title fight between champion BJ Penn and challenger Kenny Florian, as well as a light-heavyweight tilt between former champion Forrest Griffin and reigning middleweight champ, Anderson Silva.
