We reported last week on the UFC’s signing of Francis Carmont, a French native and training partner of Georges St. Pierre at Tristar Vale Tudo in Montreal. Carmont expected to debut at UFC 137, the same card where St. Pierre will defend his title against Carlos Condit, and now the French middleweight has an opponent in the returning Chris Camozzi, as revealed by the UFC this afternoon:
A UFC newcomer faces a returning veteran as Francis “Limitless” Carmont and TUF alumni Chris Camozzi will go to war at UFC 137. Carmont, a French striker who trains with event headliner Georges St-Pierre in Montreal, has long fought at light heavyweight but will make his promotional debut at 185 pounds against the TUF alumnus.
Camozzi’s return to the Octagon is somewhat of a surprise, as the UFC seemed eager to cut him loose and released him following a loss to Kyle Noke earlier this year at UFC 127, despite Camozzi still having a 2-1 UFC record. Perhaps the Zuffa brass just wanted the Colorado native to get some experience on the regional circuit before getting called back up, and that’s what Camozzi did, fighting journeyman, Joey Villasenor, at Shark Fights 15 this May. The fight was initially scored as a draw, but after a scoring error came to light, the decision was overturned and Camozzi was given the win.
Chris Camozzi (15-4)
Win Joey Villasenor (split decision) – Shark Fights 15
Loss Kyle Noke (submission – rear naked choke) – UFC 127
Win Dongi Yang (split decision) – UFC 121
Francis “Limitless” Carmont (16-7)
Win Jason Day (TKO – punches) – Slammer in the Hammer
Win Kelly Anundson (submission – armbar) – Strength and Honor Championship
Win Simon Carlsen (TKO – punches) – Heroes Gate 3