The fight card for UFC Fight Night 17 ‘Lauzon vs. Franca’ continues to take shape with the addition of welterweights Anthony Johnson (6-2) and Luigi Fioravanti (14-4), set to do battle at the University of Southern Florida (USF) Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida on February 7.
MMAmania.com learned earlier today that Johnson, fresh off his thrilling KO victory over Kevin Burns at UFC Ultimate Fighter Finale 8, will opt to come back in February rather than wait for a rumored fight with Mike "Quick" Swick later in the year.
Johnson avenged his controversial loss to Burns back at UFC Fight Night 14, knocking the Iowan senseless with a brutal head kick in the opening seconds of round three. Burns joins Tommy Speer and Chad Reiner on "Rumble's" ever growing highlight reel.
He won't have a free pass however against the gritty Fioravanti. The American Top Team standout and military serviceman-turned mixed martial artist has his share of knockouts, ending 50 percent of his fights by way of (T)KO.
Fioravanti was last seen taking Brodie Farber the distance in a unanimous decision win at UFC 16 'Fight for the Troops.'
UFC Fight Night 17 features several 155-pound match ups. Mac Danzig is expected to take on Josh Neer and Joe Lauzon and Hermes Franca are slated to headline the show. Kurt Pellegrino and Rob Emerson will also likely hook ‘em up.
Here is the current UFC Fight Night 17 fight card:
Main event:
155 lbs.: Hermes Franca (19-7) vs. Joe Lauzon (17-4)
Main card:
155 lbs.: Mac Danzig (18-5-1) vs. Josh Neer (24-7-1)
155 lbs.: Gleison Tibau (15-6) vs. Rich Clementi (32-13-1)
170 lbs.: Anthony Johnson (6-2) vs. Luigi Fioravanti (14-4)*
185 lbs.: Amir Sadollah (1-0) vs. Nick Catone (5-0)
Under card:
155 lbs.: George Sotiropolous (9-2) vs. Matt Grice (9-1)
155 lbs.: Kurt Pellegrino (12-4) vs. Rob Emerson (8-6)*
185 lbs.: Alessio Sakara (13-7) vs. Jake Rosholt (5-0)
265 lbs.: Cain Velasquez (4-0) vs. Denis Stojnic (5-1)*
*Fight not yet officially confirmed by UFC.com.
To check out the latest UFC Fight Night 17 fight card and rumors click here.