UFC 80: Sam Stout vs. Per Eklund

Sherdog.com and other international source are reporting that Sam Stout (12-3-1) will fight Per Eklund (12-2-1) at UFC 80: "Rapid Fire" on January 19 at The Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England.

This latest news contradicts earlier reports that Stout would clash with fellow lightweight Terry Etim.

Here's a snip on Eklund:

"A native of Stockholm, [Sweden], Eklund ... is widely regarded as the No. 1 fighter at 155 pounds in Europe.... The star of Hilti NHB has signed a four-fight contract with Zuffa that will likely keep him busy in the UFC throughout 2008."

Eklund has experience fighting in Shooto, Bodog and M-1, among other organizations. In fact, he most recently outpointed Rafeal Dias at Bodog Fight: "Vancouver" on all three judges scorecards this past August.

With the acquisition the UFC has added yet another talented fighter to a talent-rich lightweight division. To see some video footage of Eklund in action click here.

Stout, of course, is most remembered in the Octagon for his two sensational wars with Spencer Fisher. The two most recently duked it out during the main event at UFC Fight Night 10 in June.

"Hands of Stone" lost the rematch via unanimous decision (He won their first encounter via split decision at UFC 58 in 2006).

A native of Canada, Stout is the TKO lightweight champion -- he most recently stopped Martin Grandmont via technical knockout.

The Stout-Eklund is a nice addition to a card that features the interim lightweight title fight between BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson, as well as the heavyweight showdown that features Gabriel Gonzaga and Fabricio Werdum.

For the latest UFC 80: "Rapid Fire" fight card click here.