Chris Wilson (13-4) and Steve Bruno (11-3) will touch gloves in a welterweight prelim bout during the UFC 86: "Jackson vs. Griffin" pay-per-view (PPV) event at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 5, according to UFC.com.
Wilson was the man who stepped up on short notice to challenge top 170-pound contender, Jon Fitch, at UFC 82: "Pride of a Champion" back in March. He dropped a unanimous decision, however, showed that he is a super tough competitor in the process.
The Team Quest-trained fighter was on a four-fight win streak prior to the loss, including impressive victories over Jay Heiron, Rory Markham and Ray Steinbeis. He was one of the most coveted welterweight free agents before inking a deal with the organization.
Bruno is an American Top Team product who will be making his Octagon debut. He has made a name for himself primary competing under the South Korea-based Spirit MC promotion. Bruno was expected to make his Octagon debut last year at UFC Fight Night 10 against Chad Reiner; however, he was forced to withdraw because of a torn rotator cuff.
This will be his first bout since April 2007 ... and it's going to be a tough test. Both Wilson and Bruno have bright futures and a win for either fighter will be big -- there's not a lot of room for error in the extremely competitive UFC welterweight class.
To check out the latest UFC 86 fight card click here.
(Thanks to MMAmania.com contributor "Mr. NC-17" for the assist.)
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