Two UFC vets will face off in the main event of Ring of Fire’s upcoming August 27th event in Denver, as the promotion has announced that Eliot Marshall will take on Josh Haynes. The event, dubbed “Summer Brawl,” will be hosted by Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium and is set to feature 12 bouts.
Marshall (8-2) will make his return to ROF after going 3-1 in the UFC. The former “Ultimate Fighter” competitor exited from the promotion after losing by Split Decision to Vladimir Matyushenko in March, but considering the BJJ black belt’s winning record in the Octagon, a win could see Marshall back in the UFC sometime soon.
"Josh Haynes is a tough opponent,” Marshall was quoted saying in a press release from ROF. “He is very durable and aggressive so it should make for an exciting fight! This is a very important fight for me. My goal is to get back to the UFC so this is the first step. I also want to show my fans and the MMA community a different and more aggressive style of fighting."
Haynes (13-10) has gone 5-2 since exiting from the UFC in 2007. The former TUF competitor went 0-3 in official UFC action, after winning back-to-back bouts in the TV show’s third season, to advance and face Michael Bisping in the finals (Bisping stopped Haynes in the second round).
"This fight is extremely important,” Haynes said. “Every fight is! I want this fight and I want this win. I am looking forward to this chance to get back into the game. If I make things happen as I plan, this is just the first step in my climb back to the UFC. I appreciate Ring Of Fire and Eliot giving me this opportunity, I fully intend to make the most of it! “
Other bouts that have been confirmed for the August 27th ROF card include Brandon Thatch vs. Danny Davis, and Michelle Blalock vs. Marciea Allen. More bouts will be announced next week.
