Sean O'Connell steps in to fight Ryan Jimmo at TUF Nations Finale
Light heavyweight Ryan Jimmo has a new opponent for next month’s TUF Nations Finale.
MMAjunkie recently reported that Jimmo’s original opponent, Steve Bosse (10-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), suffered a shoulder injury and was forced off the card. Jimmo (18-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) now fights replacement and promotional newcomer Sean O’Connell (15-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
UFC officials recently announced the change.
The TUF Nations Finale, which serves as the live final for “The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia†reality series, takes place April 16 at Colisee Pepsi in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. It’s expected to air on FOX Sports 1 following prelims on UFC Fight Pass.
O’Connell, a recent MFC competitor and former college football player, enters the UFC with a six-fight winning streak and eight victories in his past nine fights. The fighter, who suffered an elimination-round loss to Shane Primm on “TUF 8″ in 2008, owns 10 stoppages (including seven knockouts) in his 15 career wins.
Jimmo, meanwhile, looks to rebound from a TKO loss (due to a leg injury) to Jimi Manuwa at UFC Fight Night 30, which moved his overall UFC record to .500. Prior to the setback, the 32-year-old Canadian was on an 18-1 run that included UFC wins over Anthony Perosh (knockout) and Igor Pokrajac (decision).
The latest TUF Nations Finale card now includes:
Michael Bisping vs. Tim Kennedy
Patrick Cote vs. Kyle Noke
opponent TBA vs. opponent TBA – “TUF Nations†middleweight final
opponent TBA vs. opponent TBA – “TUF Nations†welterweight final
Akira Corassani vs. Dustin Poirier
Mark Bocek vs. Evan Dunham
Shayna Baszler vs. Sarah Kaufman
K.J. Noons vs. Sam Stout
Ryan Jimmo vs. Sean O’Connell
Mitch Gagnon vs. Tim Gorman
Dustin Kimura vs. George Roop
