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UFC 209 Poster Woodley Thompson Khabib Nurmagomedov Ferguson
UFC 209 Poster

Something Old, Something New – UFC 209

In this week’s Something Old, Something New we look ahead to UFC 209 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada where Tyron Woodley will face Stephen Thompson in a rematch of their epic Welterweight title battle that ended in a draw last November at UFC 205. Also Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson will face off for the Interim Lightweight title in a match-up that has everyone in the MMA world talking.

This week sees the debut of three new fighters including new prospects in the Heavyweight and Women’s Strawweight divisions. Also an undefeated Bantamweight makes his return to the octagon for the first time since January 2016. Let’s start by looking at this particular returning contender.

“Cool Hand” Luke Sanders (11-0) – Bantamweight

After impressing on his UFC debut last January, Luke Sanders finally makes his return to the octagon after a 14 month absence and will face Brazilian Iuri Alcantara at UFC 209.

Having made his professional debut in 2011, the Tennessee fighter has remained undefeated so far and made his name with his run in U.S. regional promotion RFA where he became the Bantamweight champion.

Despite getting into trouble on his UFC debut, “Cool Hand” would live up to his name, surviving submission attempts before securing a choke of his own to defeat Maximo Blanco at UFC Fight Night 81 on short notice having moved up to Featherweight.

Now back at his preferred Bantamweight for this bout, Sanders will look to add to his tally of eight finishes from his eleven wins so far and could be one to watch in the division.

 

Now to look at this week’s debutants including prospects from Team Alpha Male and Blackzillians. Also an undefeated Heavyweight making waves on the regional scene.

Daniel Spitz (5-0) – Heavyweight

Newcomer Daniel Spitz comes in on short notice to make his UFC debut this week and will replace the injured Todd Duffee to face Mark Godbeer in Las Vegas.

The undefeated Heavyweight has four first round finishes in his five wins so far and will look to continue the pattern against his English opponent. His lone decision came against UFC veteran Wesley “Cabbage” Correira and although untested, the 26-year-old looks like a real prospect for a shallow heavyweight division.

Having most recently competed for King of the Cage, the Sikjitsu fighter from Washington would pull out of a scheduled fight in February in order to sign with UFC so should be in great shape despite being a replacement.

Andre “The Asian Sensation” Soukhamthath (11-3) – Bantamweight

Fan favourite Andre Soukhamthath has wasted no time in earning his “Next Big Thing” tag in New England promotion CES MMA.

The 28-year-old former Blackzillian won the CES Bantamweight title last year, and would do so in spectacular fashion, with a flying knee KO over Kody Nordby in the final round to claim the vacant strap.

Now training at the Combat Club with Henri Hooft and other former Blackzillians like Rashad Evans, the Laotian-American has only failed to finish one of his wins inside the distace.

A very dangerous striker, Soukhamthath will hope to get the better of Albert Morales and make a statement on his UFC debut in Las Vegas.

Cynthia Calvillo (3-0) – Women’s Strawweight

Women’s strawweight Cynthia Calvillo makes her UFC debut this Saturday when she faces former TUF competitor Amanda Cooper in the UFC 209 opener.

The latest prospect to come out of Team Alpha Male, Calvillo most recently secured her third professional win with a victory over the more experienced Montana Stewart at LFA 1. The 29-year-old also holds an amateur victory over undefeated Invicta FC rising star Aspen Ladd.

The Californian may not have a lot of experience but is a talented wrestler who possesses a good range of takedowns. A tough fought and physical victory over Cooper would be a perfect introduction.