Two entertaining featherweights are set to square off in Stockholm, Sweden, as TUF 14 winner Diego Brandao fights the tall and lanky Pablo Garza. MMA Junkie confirmed that this matchup is now official for the event.
Brandao (15-8 MMA, 2-1 UFC) won TUF 14 with a dramatic armbar submission over Dennis Bermudez in the season finale. The Brazilian, who trains in Greg Jackson’s camp, dropped his first fight post-TUF to Darren Elkins, but bounced back nicely with a decision win over Joey Gambino at UFC 153.
Garza (12-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) recently ended a two-fight losing skid with a unanimous decision win over the now retired Mark Hominick at UFC 154. “The Scarecrow”, who stands 6’1″ tall, is most famous for his flying knee KO of Fredson Paixao on the prelims of the TUF 12 Finale. It was simultaneously one of the best and most frightening knockouts in recent memory. His other UFC win was a flying triangle choke against Yves Jabouin at UFC 129.
UFC on Fuel 9 is scheduled for April 6th, the first of four consecutive Saturday cards in that month. Alexander Gustafsson and Gegard Mousasi headline the show. It is expected that Brandao/Garza will air on the night’s main card.