The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to New Jersey for the first time in over two years November 17 when UFC 78: “Validation” invades the brand new Prudential Center in Newark.
Two of the most decorated graduates from the company’s highly-successful reality show, The Ultimate Fighter, meet in the main event. Season two winner Rashad Evans (15-0-1) battles season three winner Michael Bisping (15-0) in a light heavyweight contest.
“For the first time ever, we have winners from The Ultimate Fighter fighting each other,” UFC president Dana White said. “Michael Bisping and Rashad Evans are both undefeated, and they are both aggressive fighters who want to prove that they are the best in the 205 pound division. This should be an incredible fight, and whoever wins this fight will be considered for a light heavyweight title shot..”
Meanwhile, the undercard features a nice mix of veteran fighters along with rising stars. In a light heavyweight contest, two of the most aggressive strikers in MMA collide when Houston Alexander (8-1) faces Thiago Silva (11-0). Alexander has been one of the breakout performers of 2007, winning his first two UFC bouts against Keith Jardine and Alessio Sakara by knockout. Chute Boxe‘s Silva has been just as impressive in stopping James Irvin and Tomasz Drwal in his debut fights in the Octagon..
Former middleweight title challenger David Terrell (10-2) makes his long-awaited return against The Ultimate Fighter 3 finalist Ed Herman (15-4). For Terrell, who owns a first round knockout win over Matt Lindland, it will be his first fight in the Octagon since he submitted Scott Smith in a single round at UFC 59. Herman is currently riding a two fight win streak with impressive submission victories over the aforementioned Smith and Chris Price.
Top five welterweight contender Karo Parisyan (25-4), winner of seven of his last eight bouts, takes on UFC newcomer Hector Lombard (11-2-1). Parisyan, fresh from wins over Drew Fickett and Josh Burkman, will be facing a fellow Judo specialist in Lombard, a native of Cuba who represented his country in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Also on tap is a lightweight matchup pitting Toms River, New Jersey native Frankie Edgar (7-0) against Spencer Fisher (20-3). Just 7-0 as a pro, Edgar has already handed Tyson Griffin his first pro loss in February, and did the same to Mark Bocek in July. Fisher is a hard-hitting striker used to fighting at 155.
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