Report: Brown-Attonito Slated for ‘TUF 13’ Finale

Sherdog.com has confirmed the booking with a source close to one of the fighters. Heavy.com first reported the matchup on Monday.

While not officially announced by the promotion, “The Ultimate Fighter 13” Finale will likely take place June 4 at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The evening’s main card will air on Spike TV and is expected to feature a lightweight attraction between former World Extreme Cagefighting 155-pound champion Anthony Pettis and divisional stalwart Clay Guida.

A protégé of Pancrase pioneer Matt Hume, Brown (Pictured) has lost three straight bouts inside the Octagon. After beginning his UFC career with a promising 4-1 start, the “TUF 7” competitor submitted to Ricardo Almeida, Chris Lytle and Brian Foster in 2010.

Following his loss to Foster at UFC 123 in November, ESPN’s “MMA Live” reported that Brown had been cut by the promotion. That report proved false, however. A brown belt in judo, Brown has finished all 11 of his career victims and holds UFC wins over Ryan Thomas, Pete Sell and James Wilks.

Attonito hails from New Jersey but trains out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Fla. After his time on “TUF 11,” Attonito made his official Octagon debut at the season’s finale in 2010, knocking out fellow cast member Jamie Yager in the second round. The 33-year-old followed that June victory with another successful performance in September, outpointing Renzo Gracie pupil Rafael Natal at UFC Fight Night 22.

Most recently, Attonito suffered his first UFC loss, dropping a unanimous decision to Dave Branch at the “TUF 12” finale on Dec. 4. Traditionally a middleweight, Attonito debuts at 170 pounds against Brown on June 4.