Derek Brunson vs. Lorenz Larkin targeted for UFC 176 in Los Angeles
Middleweights Derek Brunson (11-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) and Lorenz Larkin (14-3 MMA, 1-3 UFC) are headed to Los Angeles for UFC 176, sources close to the promotion told MMAjunkie.
The fighters have verbally agreed to the matchup.
UFC 176 takes place Aug. 2 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The event’s main card airs live on pay-per-view following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.
The position of Brunson vs. Larkin on the fight card hasn’t been decided.
Brunson makes his return after a encouraging effort against standout Yoel Romero suddenly went south at UFC Fight Night 35 in January. In a stunning reversal, Romero caught the 30-year-old NCAA Division II All-American wrestler with a flurry of punches and earned a TKO to evade what likely would have been a decision loss.
Afterward, Brunson said his performance was severely affected by a problem rehydrating after his weight cut. The loss snapped a two-fight winning streak for the former Strikeforce fighter, who beat Chris Leben and Brian Houston in his first octagon performances.
Larkin, meanwhile, is badly in need of a UFC win after a knockout loss to Constantinos Philippou at this past month’s UFC Fight Night 40 event, which marked his third loss in four octagon outings. A standout muay Thai striker, the 27-year-old graduated from the now-defunct Strikeforce with a 4-1 record, but he’s struggled to find his footing in the cage as of late.
The booking is expected to be announced shortly by UFC officials.
The latest UFC 176 card includes:
Champ Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes – for featherweight title
Jussier Formiga vs. Zach Makovsky
Fabricio Camoes vs. Gray Maynard
Derek Brunson vs. Lorenz Larkin
