Anthony Pettis Makes Featherweight Debut Versus Charles Oliveira at UFC Vancouver
- from MMA Weekly on Jun 15, 2016
- 42 views
- Comment
Anthony Pettis Makes Featherweight Debut Versus Charles Oliveira at UFC Vancouver
UFC announced Wednesday it will stage its second Canadian event of the year at Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Saturday, August 27. UFC FIGHT NIGHT will mark the fourth UFC card in Vancouver since 2010.
“We are dedicated to bringing fights coast-to-coast across Canada,” UFC Executive Vice-President and General Manager for Canada, Australia and New Zealand Tom Wright said. “Vancouver has played host to tremendous events in the past and we look forward to delivering another spectacular night of fights this August.”
HOT TOPIC > Joe Rogan Believes Ronda Rousey Thought She Was Special, And Fell Victim to Hollywood ‘Traps’
“We’re excited to host the UFC in their fourth appearance here at Rogers Arena,” said Jeff Stipec, Chief Operating Officer, Canucks Sports & Entertainment. “Rogers Arena is a premier sports and entertainment venue committed to providing a world class guest experience. We share British Columbians’ passion for sports and are pleased to host the UFC live once again.”
In one of the evening’s confirmed bouts, former UFC lightweight champion and last-reigning WEC lightweight titleholder Anthony Pettis (18-5, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA), will make his featherweight debut against No.7 ranked contender Charles Oliveira (21-5 1NC, fighting out of Houston, Texas, USA by way of Sao Paulo, Brazil).
A dynamic knockout artist, Pettis is known for his varied and creative striking game. His unbelievable ‘Showtime kick’ against Benson Henderson in late 2010 was featured on highlight reels all over the world. Throughout his career, he has netted victories against Henderson (twice), Donald Cerrone and Gilbert Melendez. A victory over Oliveira will immediately thrust Pettis into the title mix of the ultra competitive featherweight division.
An aggressive Muay Thai striker with one of the slickest submission skill sets in MMA, Oliveira has submitted standouts, such as Myles Jury, Nik Lentz and Jonathan Brookins. In 2014, he became the only fighter to tap Japanese great Hatsu Hioki. With victories in five of his last six outing, Oliveira is looking to use Pettis as a stepping-stone to featherweight title contention.
Also confirmed for UFC FIGHT NIGHT:
• Garreth McLellan (13-4, fighting out of Sunninghill, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa) takes on Alessio Di Chirico (9-1, fighting out of Rome, Italy) in a middleweight tilt.
