On April 27, 2013 the UFC will be headed to Newark, New Jersey for UFC 159. UFC officials announced on Tuesday’s new episode of “UFC Tonight” that Phil Davis (10-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) will fight against Vinny Magalhaes (10-5 MMA, 1-2 UFC). These two outstanding light heavyweights will be featured on a card that is really starting to shape up.

Phil Davis is a four time NCAA wrestling Division I All-American, and was on a fast track at a shot at the UFC light heavyweight championship. Rashad Evans at UFC on FOX derailed Davis back in January 2012, losing a unanimous decision. His next fight was a no contest with Wagner Prado when an accidental eye poke left Prado unable to continue.

Two months later Davis and Prado fought again with “Mr. Wonderful” Phil Davis winning via submission (anaconda choke). Phil Davis has beet top guys like Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Tim Boetsch, and Alexander Gustafsson. Davis gave Gustafsson his only loss in his professional career at UFC 112 on April 10, 2010.

Vinny Magalhaes was the runner-up on “The Ultimate Fighter” season 8, losing to Ryan Bader in the finale on December 13, 2008. His next fight was on April 18, 2009 at UFC 97 against a very tough Eliot Marshall. Vinny lost a decision to Marshall and ultimately his contract with the UFC.

After leaving the UFC though, Vinny Magalhaes went 7-1 and rode a four fight win streak right back into the UFC. At UFC 152 on September 22, 2012 Vinny returned and defeated Igor Pokrajac via submission (arm bar). Vinny has really fine-tuned his game, and is ready for a run in the UFC light heavyweight division.

comments