Bisping vs. Boetsch, Barao vs. Hougland added to UFC 148

[No More Sorrow]

Tim Boetsch (15-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) is about to take another huge step up in competition.

UFC officials today confirmed that Boetsch will meet Michael Bisping (22-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) at UFC 148, which takes place July 7 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airs live on pay-per-view.

Additionally, a bantamweight matchup between Renan Barao (28-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and Jeff Hougland (10-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC) has been added to the card.

In his most recent performance, Boetsch delivered a spectacular come-from-behind victory against Yushin Okami at UFC 144. Down two rounds after contending with the onetime title challenger's crisp standup work, he charged back early in the third round and landed a barrage of punches that forced a stoppage.

It was Boetsch's third consecutive win since dropping to middleweight this past year. Prior to Okami, he outpointed Kendall Grove and Nick Ring.

Bisping is on the mend after seeing a shot at the middleweight title evaporate with a decision loss to Chael Sonnen at UFC on FOX 2. The always-controversial Brit had won four consecutive bouts prior to the setback, beating such standouts as Dan Miller, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Jorge Rivera and Jason Miller.

Barao, who boasts an incredible 28-fight unbeaten streak, looks for his fourth-straight UFC win and seventh victory under the Zuffa banner. The 25-year-old Brazilian earned WEC wins over Chris Cariaso and Anthony Leone before the UFC absorbed that promotion's bantamweight division. Since then, Barao has earned wins over Scott Jorgensen, Brad Pickett and Cole Escovedo.

Following his UFC 143 win over Jorgensen, Barao admitted his eyes are on the title.

"The title is my goal," Barao said. "I train every day, and I'm ready for it."

"The objective is to fight for the belt, whoever it is – Dominick Cruz or whoever stands in line. I'm here for it."

Meanwhile, Hougland looks to play the role of spoiler in just his second UFC appearance. "Hellbound" debuted at this past July's UFC 132 event, where he earned a decision win over fellow newcomer Donny Walker. Hougland was then expected to face Mike Easton at this past October's UFC on Versus 6 event but was forced to withdraw after suffering an injury in training.

After opening his career just 1-4 (and nearly walking away from the sport), Hougland has since put together a nine-fight win streak that includes six submission victories.

Tim Boetsch is not technical and well-rounded enough to handle a guy like Bisping, in my opinion. And
Renan Barao should be heading for a title shot sooner or later so look for him to look impressive in this fight.

 

[The Cork]

Bit underwhelming for Bis, considering he probably beat Chael.

Barao is a class act, dont know who the other guy is but he wont stop Barao steamrolling to the title.

 

[Dale]

I'd never even heard of Boetsch till whatever the last even was so I kinda feel like Bisping has been short changed here really. Obviouslly I don't know anything about Tim, but having Bisping face him will likely only add fuel to the fire of him being protected with the fighters he's often given.

 

[No More Sorrow]

Yeah I'm not too sure about the Bisping fight, thought for sure he'd be fighting Mark Munoz.

 

[No More Sorrow]

“It was surprising to me. I thought we were on a collision course. I know there are a lot of people in the general public that wanted us to fight. I would have loved to fight Bisping just because he’s a bigger name and I match up well with him. But hey, he’s fighting Boetsch and he’s got his hands full. That’s a real intriguing fight. We’ll see what happens.”

Apparently Mark Munoz thought he was next in-line for a crack at Michael Bisping. Instead the UFC opted to put the fast rising Tim Boetsch in his place.

Think most people are surprised that Munoz didn't get the fight, it would make for a better fight and make more overall sense to go down that route.

 

[The Cork]

Bisping said on the Telegraph podcast that he turned down Cung Le and Munoz "because they were backward steps" yet took the Boetsch fight right away :

I know hes on a roll, but hes still Tim Boetsch.....

 

[No More Sorrow]

Yeah i read about, it's hilarious

 

[No More Sorrow]

Little bit of a change here, Hougland got moved to UFC on FX 3 so Renan Barao has a new opponent.

Renan Barao (28-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC), is now set to meet Ivan Menjivar (24-8 MMA, 3-0 UFC) in a possible No. 1 contender bout at UFC 148.