The UFC announced this morning that controversial leglock machine, Rousimar Palhares, will get to fight in front of his fellow Brazilians once again, as he takes on Mike Massenzio at UFC 142 in Rio de Janeiro at UFC 142:
Verbal agreements are in for a matchup between powerful wrestler Mike “The Master of Disaster” Massenzio and Brazilian leg-locking machine Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares at UFC 142 January 14, announced UFC president Dana White today.
Palhares most recently fought on the last Rio card in August, where he battled Dan Miller in a bizarre and entertaining fight that saw the Brazilian believe that the fight was over and start celebrating despite the referee having never stopped it, only to come back and nearly get knocked out by Miller, before going on to take a dominant decision win. Since then, Palhares competed in his first Abu Dhabi submission tournament in September, taking the silver medal in his division by tapping his first three opponents with his signature heel hook, only to lose to Andre Galvao by points in the final.
Massenzio returned to the UFC this summer after being released by the promotion in late 2010. Although he lost to Krzysztof Soszynski on short notice, the junior college national wrestling champion was given another shot at his more natural weight of 185 lbs and battered Steve Cantwell with an improved striking game at UFC 136. Massenzio will surely be looking for tips from his teammate, Dan Miller, who despite losing to Palhares, was able to avoid his nasty leglocks.
Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares (13-3)
Win Dan Miller (unam. decision) – UFC 134
Win Dave Branch (submission – heel hook) – UFC on Versus 3
Loss Nate Marquardt (TKO) – UFN 22
Mike Massenzio (13-5)
Win Steve Cantwell (unam. decision) – UFC 136
Loss Krzysztof Soszynski (unam. decision) – UFC 131
Win Nate Kittredge (TKO) – CZ 37