The rumored fight card for UFC’s first-ever event in Canada is looking better and better.
MMAjunkie.com () has confirmed that a rumored bout between UFC welterweight contenders Karo Parisyan (18-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) and Thiago Alves (13-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) is in the works and expected to take place at the UFC’s April 19 event in Montreal.
Sources close to both fighters today told MMAjunkie.com that the fight has been discussed and that bout agreements are expected to be signed. The welterweight bout would complement UFC 84’s main event between UFC welterweight champ Matt Serra and interim champ Georges St. Pierre.
Parisyan, a perennial contender, is still looking to claim the title shot he was awarded nearly two years ago. However, an injury forced the Judo expert out of a scheduled championship bout with then-champ Matt Hughes, and since then, Parisyan’s been trying to stand out in a crowded 170-pound division. He most recently defeated Ryo Chonan at UFC 78 with a unanimous decision — his ninth decision win in his past 11 victories.
During a recent appearance on HDNet’s “Inside MMA,” Parisyan was asked about a possible fight with top contender Jon Fitch. Parisyan, though, said he wanted a “more-guaranteed win” and said he needs “an easier fight than Jon Fitch so I can basically have a high percentage of beating (the opponent) and getting a title shot.” Parisyan, who did clarify that he had never been offered a fight with Fitch, specifically mentioned Alves and Marcus Davis as possibilities.
Parisyan has had to fight five times since he was first awarded a title shot.
Although Fitch is now out of the picture (he’s fighting Akihiro Gona at UFC 82 in March), Parisyan isn’t getting much of a break with Alves, who’s won his past four fights, including a “Fight of the Night” performance over Chris Lytle at UFC 78 in November. His only UFC losses have come to Fitch and veteran Spencer Fisher.
The 24-year-old garnered some spotlight after a December 2006 win over Tony DeSouza. However, Alves failed his UFC 66 drug test due to spironolactone, a diuretic that was prescribed by a doctor to help Alves make weight. After the failed test, Alves said he didn’t realize the drug was a banned substance. Regardless, the California State Athletic Commission shut down the fighter with a nine-month suspension.
However, he returned in solid fashion at UFC Fight Night 11, assaulting the legs of Japanese fighter Kuniyoshi Hironaka to score a second-round submission via verbal tap-out due to the kicks.
UFC officials have been busy this week finalizing bouts for UFC 81 (Feb. 2), UFC 82 (March 1), UFC Fight Night 13 (April 2) and UFC 84 (April 19). The UFC is also finalizing details for a London event (UFC 83) that will take place March 8. According to MMAWeekly.com, Michael Bisping and Charles McCarthy will battle in a middleweight bout at the event.
MMAjunkie.com () has confirmed that a rumored bout between UFC welterweight contenders Karo Parisyan (18-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) and Thiago Alves (13-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) is in the works and expected to take place at the UFC’s April 19 event in Montreal.
Sources close to both fighters today told MMAjunkie.com that the fight has been discussed and that bout agreements are expected to be signed. The welterweight bout would complement UFC 84’s main event between UFC welterweight champ Matt Serra and interim champ Georges St. Pierre.
Parisyan, a perennial contender, is still looking to claim the title shot he was awarded nearly two years ago. However, an injury forced the Judo expert out of a scheduled championship bout with then-champ Matt Hughes, and since then, Parisyan’s been trying to stand out in a crowded 170-pound division. He most recently defeated Ryo Chonan at UFC 78 with a unanimous decision — his ninth decision win in his past 11 victories.
During a recent appearance on HDNet’s “Inside MMA,” Parisyan was asked about a possible fight with top contender Jon Fitch. Parisyan, though, said he wanted a “more-guaranteed win” and said he needs “an easier fight than Jon Fitch so I can basically have a high percentage of beating (the opponent) and getting a title shot.” Parisyan, who did clarify that he had never been offered a fight with Fitch, specifically mentioned Alves and Marcus Davis as possibilities.
Parisyan has had to fight five times since he was first awarded a title shot.
Although Fitch is now out of the picture (he’s fighting Akihiro Gona at UFC 82 in March), Parisyan isn’t getting much of a break with Alves, who’s won his past four fights, including a “Fight of the Night” performance over Chris Lytle at UFC 78 in November. His only UFC losses have come to Fitch and veteran Spencer Fisher.
The 24-year-old garnered some spotlight after a December 2006 win over Tony DeSouza. However, Alves failed his UFC 66 drug test due to spironolactone, a diuretic that was prescribed by a doctor to help Alves make weight. After the failed test, Alves said he didn’t realize the drug was a banned substance. Regardless, the California State Athletic Commission shut down the fighter with a nine-month suspension.
However, he returned in solid fashion at UFC Fight Night 11, assaulting the legs of Japanese fighter Kuniyoshi Hironaka to score a second-round submission via verbal tap-out due to the kicks.
UFC officials have been busy this week finalizing bouts for UFC 81 (Feb. 2), UFC 82 (March 1), UFC Fight Night 13 (April 2) and UFC 84 (April 19). The UFC is also finalizing details for a London event (UFC 83) that will take place March 8. According to MMAWeekly.com, Michael Bisping and Charles McCarthy will battle in a middleweight bout at the event.