Just when an amazing card could not get any better -- or complete -- the UFC adds a lightweight bout between Nate Diaz (8-2) and Kurt Pellegrino (11-3) to the now infamous UFC Fight Night 13 card at the Broomfield Event Center in Broomfield, Colo., on April 2.
MMAmania.com confirmed today that the bout is indeed signed and will make the televised portion of the 11-fight SpikeTV special.
There's no telling at this point whether or not the FightLinker.com-led email campaign to extend the two-hour telecast to three had any impact on the booking or if another fight previously thought to be broadcast live will get bumped.
Regardless, the fans who pack the venue on this Colorado night are in for one fine show. Here's the latest card:
Main event:
155 lbs.: Kenny Florian (7-3) vs. Joe Lauzon (16-3)
Main card (televised):
170 lbs.: Karo Parisyan (18-4) vs. Thiago Alves (13-3)
205 lbs.: Matt Hamill (3-1) vs. Tim Boetsch (7-1)
205 lbs.: Houston Alexander (8-2) vs. James Irvin (13-4)
155 lbs.: Nate Diaz (8-2) vs. Kurt Pellegrino (11-3)Under card (may not be broadcast):
155 lbs.: Frank Edgar (8-0) vs. Gray Maynard (4-0)
155 lbs.: Spencer Fisher (20-4) vs. Marcus Aurelio (15-5)
155 lbs.: Din Thomas (20-7) vs. Josh Neer (23-6-1)
155 lbs.: Clay Guida (22-9) vs. Samy Schiavo (10-4)
170 lbs.: George Sotiropoulos (8-2) vs. Roman Mitichyan (5-1)
170 lbs.: Tommy Speer (9-2) vs. Anthony Johnson (4-1)
Diaz and Pellegrino both competed last -- and won -- on the UFC Fight Night 12 card on January 23, 2008. In fact, Diaz called out "Batman" (among others) after his submission win over Alvin Robinson.
Pellegrino appears up for the challenge after he made quick work of Alberto Crane, pounding out the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist in the second round via technical knockout.
This is a fantastic match up with two fighters who share similar strengths. Both have respectable stand up and are experienced on the ground. The wrestling edge, however, has to go to Pellegrino.
Will that be enough? Diaz has submitted his last three opponents and will look to make it four under the Hermes Franca-trained Pellegrino. It won't be easy.
Nice fight ... and surprise.
For the latest UFC Fight Night 13 news and notes click here.
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