The UFC confirmed another addition to the rapidly-filling UFC 136 card, scheduled for Houston in October, this one a heavyweight bout between Joey Beltran and undefeated prospect, Stipe Miocic:
Following his impressive third round TKO of Aaron Rosa at UFC 131 in June, “The Mexicutioner,” Joey Beltran, will look to spoil the debut of another newcomer, as he has agreed to face off against unbeaten prospect Stipe Miocic in UFC 136 action in Houston on October 8th.
Miocic comes to the UFC with a 6-0 record that includes five knockouts and one submission. A former Division I wrestler for Cleveland State and a Golden Gloves champ, Miocic will be put to the test by the heavy hands, granite chin, and relentless pressure of Beltran,who is 3-2 in his UFC stint thus far.
Miocic, an Ohio native who wears the trunks of Mirko Cro Cop in honor of his own Croatian heritage, was the #5-ranked heavyweight on BloodyElbow.com’s World Scouting Report, and although the UFC.com post mentions his wrestling background, he has mainly used his dangerous kickboxing to achieve success on the midwestern regional circuit. This includes the lone “submission” victory on his record mentioned in the announcement, which was actually a submission due to Miocic’s leg kicks.
Beltran, meanwhile, avoided a potentially damning third consecutive loss by TKOing late replacement, Aaron Rosa, at UFC 131 back in June. The Mexicutioner might have his hands (and legs) full with Miocic though, as he showed a serious vulnerability to leg kicks in his loss against Pat Barry.
Joey “The Mexicutioner” Beltran (13-5)
Win Aaron Rosa (TKO – punches) – UFC 131
Loss Pat Barry (unam. decision) – UFC Fight for the Troops 2
Loss Matt Mitrione (unam. decision) – UFC 119
Stipe Miocic (6-0)
Win Bobby Brents (submission – leg kicks) – NAAFS Fight Night in the Flats 7
Win William Penn (KO – punch) – NAAFS Caged Vengeance 9
Win Gregory Maynard (TKO – strikes) – NAAFS Night of Champions 2010