UFC 161: John Maguire drops to lightweight, fights Mitch Clarke in Winnipeg

The mixed martial arts (MMA) master of Gypsy Jiu-Jitsu will be compete at UFC 161 when England's John Maguire drops to the Lightweight division to take on Canadian Mitch Clarke.

Neil Davidson of the Canadian Press today (March 12, 2013) confirmed the 155-pound bout, which is scheduled to take place at MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on June 15, 2013.

Maguire, who split two wins and two losses in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight division, will test the 155-pound waters for the first time inside the Octagon. He's a jiu-jitsu specialist, which he demonstrated recently with an impressive arm bar finish of DaMarques Johnson at UFC on Fuel TV 2.

"The One" steps into this bout at UFC 161 on a two-fight losing streak and he could very well find himself on the unemployment line if it extends to three.

Clarke, a submission stylist in his own right, has had two fights in the promotion's lightweight division, but has dropped them both. His style has brought him six submissions in nine career professional victories, and his ground game remains a real threat despite the recent defeats.

Like Maguire, this may be Clarke's last chance in the UFC; therefore, expect him to be on his A-game here.

UFC 161 features an interim Bantamweight title bout between defending champion Renan Barao and Eddie Wineland in the main event of the evening. In the co-main event, Mauricio Rua and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira run back their Pride FC classic from 2005 in a 205-pound rematch.

For the latest UFC 161 news and notes check out our complete event archive right here. And to check out the latest "Barao vs. Wineland" fight card and rumors click here.