Hard hitting slugger Rory Markham (16-5) is set to do battle with UFC sophomore TJ Grant (14-2) in a welterweight match up at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 Finale at "The Pearl" at the Palms Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 20.
MMAmania was informed of the bout by Grant's camp earlier today.
Grant originally agreed to battle top welterweight contender Martin Kampmann, however "The Hitman" refused to sign the bout agreement, stating that a match with the up-and-coming Grant "didn't make sense" for him.
Now former International Fighting League (IFL) standout Rory Markham has stepped up to the plate to tangle with the Canadian grappler in what should promise to be an exciting showdown.
Markham is coming off a devastating knockout loss to British export Dan Hardy which took place this past February at UFC 95. It was a fight that saw him a tad overeager to brawl it out which he would pay dearly for. He now looks to get back on track against one of Canada's top prospects.
Grant made his UFC debut with a split decision victory over PRIDE veteran Ryo Chonan on April 18 at UFC 97 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Fit Plus standout has won 14 of his 16 professional fights - with a staggering 12 of those 14 by submission.
In addition to winning matches, he’s been winning over audiences in Canada for quite some time and holds convincing victories over UFC veterans like Forrest Petz.
TUF 9 Finale features a lightweight match between Diego Sanchez and Clay Guida, as well as a co main event that pits and Joe Stevenson against Nate Diaz in another fantastic 155-pound showdown.
Naturally, the Spike TV special will also host the lightweight and welterweight finales for the ninth season of TUF, which is currently in progress. Coach Dan Henderson is leading a U.S. team against coach Michael Bisping and his British squad.
For more on TUF 9 Finale click here.