U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio, which will play host to a UFC Fight Night event on May 10, 2014, is already beginning to take shape, with three mixed martial arts (MMA) matches announced in the past 24 hours.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) officials announced on Wednesday that the middleweight, heavyweight and lightweight divisions will be represented on the FOX Sports 1 card, featuring match ups between Ed Herman vs. Rafael Natal, Soa Palelei vs. Ruan Potts and Ben Wall vs. Justin Salas.
Herman was supposed to have fought Natal at UFC 167, but the Brazilian was called to fill in for Lyoto Machida at UFC Fight Night 31 against Tim Kennedy, which resulted in "Sapo" getting finished in round one via knockout. Herman, meanwhile, also went on to lose in his replacement bout against Thales Leites via decision.
Both men will look to bounce back from defeat and stake their claim in the Chris Weidman-led weight class.
In other action, Palelei is currently riding a 10-fight win streak, during which "The Hulk" has beaten the likes of Bob Sapp, Nikita Krylov and Pat Barry, among several others. Sixteen of his 20 victories have come by way of (technical) knockout. His opponent, Potts, isn't much different. The South African international is a former EFC Africa champion who will be making his ZUFFA debut against a dangerous striker.
Something has got to give.
Lastly, the 24-year-old Wall is coming off the first loss of his professional career following his move to UFC. His opponent comes in the form of "J-Bomb" Salas, who was last seen gracing the Octagon in a losing effort (rear-naked choke) courtesy of Thiago Tavares at UFC Fight Night 32 in Nov. 2013.
Make sure to keep it locked right here on MMAmania.com for all the upcoming fight announcements regarding this FOX Sports 1 card, which is tentatively branded UFC Fight Night 42.