UFC have today revealed the first three fights scheduled for their UFC Glasgow card in July with Scottish light-heavyweight Paul Craig leading the line-up as he returns to the Octagon for the first time since his loss to Tyson Pedro at UFC 209 to face TUF 23 finalist Khalil Rountree.
UFC Glasgow will take place on Sunday, July 16 at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, however, no headline fight for the bout has been confirmed with today’s three fight announcements marking the first scheduled for the event.
Revealed exclusively by Record Sport, two more Brits were announced for the card as Craig’s Scottish Hit Squad teammate Mark Godbeer (12-3) will face the debuting Justin Willis (4-1) in the heavyweight division and top Welsh middleweight Jack Marshman (21-6) will take on Canadian fighter Ryan Janes (9-2).
Coatbridge fighter Craig (9-1) is looking forward to the prospect of fighting in his home country of Scotland for the first time and has vowed to put on a show for his countrymen and make a statement after a disappointing loss in his last bout.
“I have never fought in my home country as a professional so to be added to the card in Glasgow, 10 minutes away from my home is incredible,” said “Bearjew” in an interview with Record Sport in response to the news.
“Hearing the Scottish fans cheering for me as I walk out into the arena on July 16 will be spectacular. I hope MMA in Scotland and across the UK continues to grow. The sport here is getting more and more exposure, and I want more athletes from Scotland to get the recognition they deserve.”
The former BAMMA light-heavyweight champion is 1-1 under the UFC banner so far and will have his work cut out for him against the powerful Rountree who is coming off an impressive win over Daniel Jolly at UFC Fight Night 104.
Meanwhile, Godbeer, who has been training with Craig at Scottish Hit Squad, will look to build on his previous win over Daniel Spitz when he takes on UFC newcomer Willis. Having previously been scheduled to face Marcin Tybura at UFC 208, the American was forced to pull out due to weight cutting issues but the former WSOF heavyweight will now make his debut in Glasgow.
Tillery Combat MMA product Marshman will look to bring a large travelling support from Wales as he looks to bounce back from defeat against Thiago Santos when he takes on Canadian Janes. Janes himself is coming off a loss to Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Fight Night 105.
Tickets for UFC Glasgow are due to go on general sale on Friday, June 2 at 10am.
