Kampmann-Story Showdown Targeted for UFC 139 in San Jose

Martin Kampmann's UFC future may ride on a Rick Story clash. | Photo: Dave Mandel

Kampmann and Story have verbally agreed to square off at the event, which goes down Nov. 19 from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Headlined by a heavyweight title tilt between returning champion Cain Velasquez and heavy-handed challenger Junior dos Santos, UFC 139 will air live on pay-per-view.

Formerly competing in the UFC's middleweight division, Kampmann made the cut to 170 pounds following a loss to Nate Marquardt in 2008. The Dane proceeded to win four of five in the welterweight ranks, notching victories over Carlos Condit, Jacob Volkmann and Paulo Thiago.

Kampmann, 29, has lost his last two fights, though both bouts carried with them significant controversy.

A split decision loss to Jake Shields in October was followed by a unanimous decision defeat to Diego Sanchez this spring. Though Kampmann battered the American bloody with strikes, Sanchez's aggression was impressive enough in the judges' eyes to earn him the unanimous nod.

Story appeared poised for a title shot following six-straight Octagon victories, culminating with his May victory over former title challenger Thiago Alves at UFC 130.

Story was then slated to face first Anthony Johnson and then Nate Marquardt in the main event of UFC Live 4 before both opponents withdrew from the bout. Instead, Story faced last-second replacement and heavy underdog Charlie Brenneman at the June 26 event. Brenneman shocked the bookmakers, out-wrestling Story and riding out a unanimous decision victory.