UFC Events
UFC NEWS: Anthony Johnson to face Matt Brown at The Ultimate Fighter Finale 9
By By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Mar 25, 2009 - 8:30:00 AM

The rapidly rising Matt Brown has accepted a bout with fellow rising welterweight Anthony Johnson for the Ultimate Fighter Finale 9 on June 20th according to a report from MMAWeekly.com. Johnson had been tapped for a possible fight with John Howard but that fell through.

The up and coming Johnson was last seen defeating Luigi Fiorivanti this February, picking up a first round tko victory which ultimately led to Fiorivanti's release from the UFC. It was his second straight victory after gaining redemption against Kevin Burns for a controversial loss in which he was poked in the eye last summer.

For Matt Brown, it will be a chance for him to continue the momentum he's brought from his last few fights. After losing a decision to Dong Hyun Kim in September of last year in a fight many felt he won, he's rolled through his last two opponents in impressive fashion, submitting Ryan Thomas at UFC 91 in the second round and finishing off Pete Sell early at UFC 96.

The Ultimate Fighter season nine finale is set to air on Spike TV on June 20th. Coaches Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson are expected to meet at UFC 100 this July.

Link to Original Source Article

Penick's Analysis: This is an awesome fight for the finale. It's an almost perfect match up for both guys, as it will determine where each one really is in this welterweight division at this young stage of their careers. Brown's got some very solid submission ability, but will likely be more than willing to stand and trade it out with Johnson, while Johnson's shown himself to be a powerful and exciting fighter all around as well. It's a great match up and when it's for free on Spike you can't complain about that.

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