The Ultimate Fighter 12′s Cody McKenzie will face another tough test when he welcomes WEC vet Bart Palaszewski to the Octagon in a lightweight bout at UFC 131 on May 28 in Las Vegas, the UFC announced today.
McKenzie (12-1) submitted fellow castmember Aaron Wilkinson with his patented guillotine choke in his UFC debut in December, but suffered his first career loss to Yves Edwards in the “Fight of the Night” at January’s UFC Fight for the Troops 2.
Palaszewski (35-14) dropped a split decision to lightweight contender Kamal Shalorus at the WEC finale in December to snap a four-fight win streak.
The UFC 130 fight card is headlined by a third meeting between UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard and also includes Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Matt Hamill and Frank Mir vs. Roy Nelson.
For the latest UFC 130 news stay tuned to MMAFrenzy.com.
Pictured: Cody McKenzie
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I hope Cody has been training hard because Bart Palaszewski is one tough and experienced s.o.b. Best of luck to both fighters but ill have to take Bart in this one.
Based on size alone, Cody’s in tough in this one. Bart’s, like you said, big tough strong pretty well rounded experienced fighter.
I see Cody’s best chance is probably by grappling and especially ground grappling, where he can use his technique, clinching and in close fighting and elbows.
He cannot allow Bart to set up, get comftorable and find range. If he does it will be a long fight for Cody.
Rootin’ for Cody however, like always.
I do think he can win this one, he just has to execute his chances or keep Bart on the ground for extended periods of time which will be tough.
Glad to see Bartimus got the nod to fight in the UFC. I hope he reverts to his IFL days. 815!