Semerzier-Caceres, 10 Fights Official for UFC Fight Night 24

Mackens Semerzier | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

The card for the event, set for March 26 at KeyArena, now includes 10 official contests. The show will be headlined by a light heavyweight tilt between former champion Tito Ortiz and Pride Fighting Championships veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

Better known to fans of “The Ultimate Fighter” as “Bruce Leroy,” Caceres was eliminated by eventual runner-up Michael Johnson in the quarterfinals of the reality show’s twelfth season. Known for his trash talk and constant smile, Caceres brings a unique flair to the cage. The 22-year-old has only six sanctioned pro fights to his credit and has not competed since losing his “TUF 12” exhibition match to Johnson. Caceres was supposed to meet fellow cast member Nam Phan in the season’s finale in December, but was forced to withdraw due to injury.

After starting his career with five consecutive wins, Semerzier has fallen on hard times as of late, dropping three straight contests. Following a shocking WEC debut in which he submitted Brazilian jiu-jitsu wizard Wagnney Fabiano, Semerzier was bested by Deividas Taurosivicius at WEC 46. The Florida native was then submitted by BJJ black belt Javier Vazquez at WEC 50 before losing a hard-fought split decision to Cub Swanson in WEC 52’s “Fight of the Night.” Like Caceres, Semerzier will make his UFC debut on March 26.

Fight Night 24 will also contain a pivotal welterweight scrap, as Anthony “Rumble” Johnson returns from a knee injury to take on hard-hitting Brit Dan Hardy. Also at welterweight, “TUF 7” winner Amir Sadollah will meet veteran Duane “Bang” Ludwig. Rounding out the main card will be a featherweight rematch between Nam Phan and Leonard Garcia.