UFC’s return event in Australia is already scheduled to have a lot of representatives from the country.
Three more fighters representing Australia have been added to the promotion’s February 11th event. The bookings are joining a card that is expected to take place at the RAC Arena in Perth.
Pedro Matched Against Debuting Zhang
Tyson Pedro will attempt to keep his current run alive when facing UFC newcomer Zhang Mingyang.
Pedro made his return earlier this year, ending an absence from the cage that lasted more than three years. He has already picked up momentum since that return, earning first-round finishes over Ike Villanueva and Harry Hunsucker.
He will now face Zhang, who is entering the UFC after a highlight-reel victory.
Zhang was signed to the UFC roster after scoring a brutal knockout on a recent “Road To UFC” card, stopping George Tokkos early. The performance was his ninth straight victory, including numerous wins from the regional scene in China.
Tafa To Meet Porter At Heavyweight
Australia’s Justin Tafa has also been booked to face heavyweight Parker Porter, per Nolan King of MMA Junkie.
Tafa snapped a two-fight skid in his last appearance, stopping Harry Hunsucker in the second minute with a head kick.
On the other side of things, Porter will be fighting to get some momentum back. His strong three-fight winning streak was broken earlier this year when he suffered a first-round rear naked choke submission to Jailton Almeida.
Jenkins To Debut Against Shainis
“Dana White’s Contender Series” fighter Jack Jenkins will get his UFC debut in February when he faces Don Shainis.
Jenkins secured a UFC contract in September, stopping Freddy Emiliano Linares late with punches on the “Contender Series.” The fight was his seventh consecutive victory as a pro.
Shainis had a quick UFC debut loss last month, getting submitted in just 30 seconds by Sodiq Yusuff. The fight was a tough UFC debut for him, stepping in to replace ranked featherweight contender Giga Chikadze.
Shainis had a five-fight streak of victories on the regional scene before his October defeat.
Updated Lineup
It was announced recently that former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker will face Paulo Costa at UFC 284 as well. Here are the few fights that have been made for the event thus far:
Bout 4: Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa (14-2) (Middleweight)
Bout 3: Tyson Pedro (9-3) vs. Zhang Mingyang (16-6) (Light Heavyweight)
Bout 2: Jack Jenkins (10-2) vs. Don Shainis (12-4) (Featherweight)
Bout 1: Justin Tafa (5-3) vs. Parker Porter (13-7) (Heavyweight)
Knockdown News 