The UFC has poached one of the top light heavyweight prospects from Mark Pavelich’s MFC’s ranks, signing Ryan Jimmo, to face Karlos Vemola at UFC on FX 1 in Nashville on January 20th. The UFC also confirmed the addition of a featherweight bout between Mike Brown and Vagner Rocha to that card:
Former featherweight champion Mike Brown looks to keep another run at the title alive as he takes on Vagner Rocha in Rocha’s first visit to 145 pounds. And at light heavyweight, Ryan “Big Deal” Jimmo will look to extend his 16-fight win streak in his UFC debut against Czech powerhouse Karlos Vemola.
Jimmo will be vacating his MFC light heavyweight title to join the UFC, and brings a huge winning streak with him to the Octagon, having suffered his only loss in his first pro fight back in 2007. Since then, the Alberta native and karate specialist has defeated the likes of Wilson Gouveia, Marvin Eastman, Zak Cummings, and most recently, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, although many believed that decision to be controversial. Vemola, always entertaining with his aggressive style, was unfortunately given a grappling lesson by Brazilian prospect Ronny Markes in his last fight, and will likely hope for a standup battle against Jimmo.
Former WEC featherweight champ, Mike Brown, got a much needed win over Nam Phan at UFC 133, snapping a two-fight losing streak. Employing a solid all-around skill set, Brown will still have to be careful on the ground against BJJ specialist, Vagner Rocha, who will move down to 145 lbs despite winning his last fight at lightweight against Cody McKenzie. Rocha did look vastly undersized in his UFC debut against Donald Cerrone, however, and the move is probably a good one for him.