UFC Confirms First Two Bouts for Fox Sports 1 Launch in Boston

The Ultimate Fighting Championship Monday evening confirmed a welterweight battle pitting Thiago Alves vs. Matt Brown and a lightweight fight between Joe Lauzon and Michael Johnson. Both fights are slated for the promotion’s return to Boston, which also serves as the first UFC live event on Fox Sports 1.

The first UFC on Fox Sports 1 takes place on Aug. 17 at TD Gardens, and serves as key programming for the launch of Fox’s new nationwide sports network.

MMAWeekly.com previously reported both fights, citing multiple sources close to the camps and the event. UFC officials tweeted confirmation of the fights.

Thiago Alves (19-9) makes his return after more than a year out of action due to various injuries. He faces a red hot Matt Brown (17-11), who is on a five-fight winning streak… four of those victories have come since Alves last set foot in the Octagon.

Joe Lauzon (22-8) is coming off of a loss to Jim Miller at UFC 155, but it was a decision loss in a Fight of the Night performance. Michael Johnson (12-8) is in a tough spot, coming off of back-to-back losses, and desperately needs a victory to ensure his UFC tenure.

The UFC has yet to name a main event for its Fox Sports 1 debut fight card.