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Takanori Gomi Makes His UFC Debut VS Kenny Florian
 (PRESS
RELEASE) -- Two of the world’s best lightweight (155 lb.) mixed
martial arts fighters, Kenny Florian and Takanori Gomi, will square
off in the main event of Spike TV’s “UFC Fight Night” on Wednesday,
March 31 at 8:00pm ET/PT. Emanating from the Bojangles Colisuem in
Charlotte, NC, the bout marks the long-awaited UFC debut of the
Japanese lightweight mixed martial arts star, Gomi.
Florian (14-4), fighting out of Brookline, MA. burst onto the mixed
martial arts scene as a finalist in Season 1 of “The Ultimate
Fighter” in April 2005. After losing to Sean Sherk in a title bout
at UFC 64 in October 2006, Florian went almost three years without a
loss, riding an impressive six fight winning-streak defeating many
of the lightweight division’s top contenders including Joe Stevenson
and Roger Huerta. Florian’s streak ended at the hands of UFC champ
BJ Penn, who submitted Florian in the fourth round of their
lightweight championship bout this past August at UFC 101. Following
a victory over Clay Guida at UFC 107 in December, Florian is back on
the winning track and needs a win over Gomi for a third shot at the
belt.
“The Fireball Kid,” Gomi (31-5) has a long, decorated career
fighting in his native Japan. He is a former Shooto Welterweight
Champion and was the final holder of the lightweight title from the
defunct promotion Pride Fighting Championships. He is also a
four-time All Japan Combat Wrestling champion. The 31 year-old has
fought many of the division’s elite fighters including BJ Penn and
Jens Pulver, and is now looking to secure the belt in the world’s
premier mixed martial organization, The Ultimate Fighting
Championship.®
Season 11 of “The Ultimate Fighter” premieres at 10:00 PM ET/PT
directly following the “UFC Fight Night.”
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