UFC on Fox 6 Gets Pascal Krauss-Mike Stumpf Welterweight Bout

Stumpf, a mainstay of Illinois’ Xtreme Fighting Organization, has been on the sidelines for 15 months following a September 2011 submission defeat at the hands of T.J. Waldburger. The 26-year-old wrestler from Crystal Lake, Ill., will get a chance to compete in his own backyard for his second Octagon appearance, as UFC on Fox 6 takes place Jan. 26 at Chicago’s United Center.

Across the cage from Stumpf will be injury-prone Krauss. The 25-year-old is looking back at a forgettable two years characterized by a pair of cancelled fights and his first professional defeat, a unanimous decision loss against John Hathaway at UFC on Fox 3. The new year could provide a fresh start for “Panzer,” though.

“I’m almost done with my studies, which has allowed me to move out to Milwaukee full time,” Krauss told Sherdog.com on Tuesday. “Six years into my career and I’m finally able to train like a professional. I can’t wait to be able to work with great fighters like Anthony Pettis, Erik Koch and Ben Askren on a daily basis here at Roufusport.”

Head coach Duke Roufus is equally excited about adding the well-rounded German to his stable of great strikers on a permanent basis.

“It’s great to have Pascal -- or Hugo Stiglitz, as I call him back out here,” says Roufus. “He’s a great asset to the team. What I like best about Pascal is that he is truly embracing our team spirit and is helping the other guys get better, too. Exciting times are upon us.”

Roufus also assessed Krauss’ upcoming fight against Stumpf: “He’s a very tough Midwest fighter that will match well with Pascal’s style. Pascal is making great improvements in his overall game with the support of Ben Askren in wrestling, Daniel Moraes in jiu-jitsu and his striking with our team. His technique is improving, but he already came here a Spartan! He’s ready to go toe-to-toe with Mike Stumpf. If that happens, Panzer will run him over or out-blast him with superior firepower!”

Follow Tim Leidecker on Twitter at @TimLeidecker or contact him at www.facebook.com/Rossonero1.