The UFC’s return to Macau, China is set to be headlined by Michael Bisping (24-6) facing Cung Le (9-2) on August 23 at UFC Fight Night, with Hector Lombard (34-4-1-1NC) vs Dong Hyun Kim (19-2-1-1NC) serving as the co-main event, revealed by UFC president Dana White.
Britain’s Michael Bisping (pictured) has recently fallen away from the middleweight title picture, after a decision loss to Tim Kennedy back in April marked a third loss in his last five bouts. Despite this, the 35-year-old never lacks a potential foe, with a host of contenders always keen for a shot at ‘The Count’. However, after more than a year spent away from competition, 42-year-old Cung Le will make his return against Bisping, having most recently played a coaching role on the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter: China. The former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion was last in action on November 10, 2012, also in Macau, where the striking expert knocked out former UFC champion Rich Franklin in thunderous fashion.
Hector Lombard himself was one of several fighters anticipated to face Bisping, however, the Cuban ventured into the welterweight division last year and has since excelled towards championship aspirations with impressive back-to-back victories over Nate Marquardt and Jake Shields. This will be Dong Hyun Kim’s third appearance on a Macau card, with the South Korean ‘Stun Gun’ having most recently knockout out John Hathaway with a spinning back elbow at the TUF: China Finale on March 1. Since losing to Damian Mia due to an injury at UFC 148 in July of 2012, Kim has since put together a 4-fight win streak.
