Karo Parisyan (18-4) is booked to meet Thiago Alves (13-3) in a welterweight tilt at UFC Fight Night 13 at the Broomfield Event Center in Broomfield, Colorado on April 2.
Speculation about the 170-pound clash has been swirling for the past week.
Parisyan is on a three-fight win streak and has won 11 of his 13 career fights inside the Octagon. "The Heat" most recently outlasted Ryo Chonan at UFC 78: "Validation" in November 2007 to earn a unanimous decision. After the bout he revealed that he broke his hand during the action.
The Armenian-born Judoka is considered a top contender in the division and in line for a shot at the division title. In fact, he admitted last month that the title shot is his if he wants to wait. However, that would keep him on the shelf for the first half of 2008.
In addition, he claimed that he preferred to take an easier fight than going up against a another division top dog such as Jon Fitch to keep him active and ensure that his does not miss another crack at the crown like he did back in 2005.
However, the American Top Team-trained Alves is no slouch.
"The Pitbull" is on a four-fight win streak himself. He hasn't lost a contest since meeting up with Fitch back in mid 2006. Alves most recently stopped Chris Lytle at UFC 78 via technical knockout (cuts) in the "Fight of the Night."
UFC Fight Night 13 -- the first show to hit Colorado in 14 years -- is shaping up to be a dynamite card. To check it out right now click here.
Get the latest gear
