It looks like the UFC’s Calgary debut in July is now fully booked with the addition of a welterweight bout between grapplers, Claude Patrick and James Head at UFC 149. The UFC’s Canadian office tweeted news of the fight booking today:
Calgary update, fight fans — add a welterweight bout between
@claudetheprince vs James Head for#UFC149 July 21 in Calgary.
As with most of the fights on this card, this one features a native Canadian: Patrick, who hails from the Toronto area. The BJJ black belt saw a 13-fight winning streak (including three under the UFC banner) snapped in December by Brian Ebersole, who won a split decision against Patrick in a close fight that saw the American use his wrestling to nullify Patrick’s crafty chokes. Although Patrick was never in danger of being finished by Ebersole, he was still clearly frustrated by the American’s top control and submission defense.
Like Patrick, Head brings a strong BJJ game to the Octagon, but he’s not as highly credentialed, with a purple belt under renowned grappler, Rafael Lovato. Head also has some solid muay thai and boxing skills, as he showed in April against the heavily favored Papy Abedi, in Sweden. Head used his striking to stun Abedi on the feet, before quickly latching onto a rear naked choke for the submission win, bringing his UFC record to an even 1-1.
Claude “The Prince” Patrick (14-2)
L Brian Ebersole (split decision) – UFC 140
W Daniel Roberts (unam. decision) – UFC 129
W James Wilks (unam. decision) – UFC 120
James Head (8-2)
W Papy Abedi (submission – RNC) – UFC on Fuel TV 2
L Nick Ring (submission – RNC) – UFC 131
W Gerald Harris (unam. decision) – XFN 2