Full Contact Fighter Database

Home

>

News

>

Article

Media

Monday, Jan 27, 2014

Report: Palhares to Receive Title Shot in WSOF Debut

Rousimar Palhares

By FCF Staff

World Series of Fighting has not only announced that controversial, submission artist Rousimar Palhares will make his promotional debut on March 29th, but that the UFC vet will fight welterweight champ Steve Carl. The bout will headline WSOF 9, which will go down at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

WSOF President Ray Sefo relayed the news to MMA Junkie (USA Today) on Monday, and was quoted saying in the story:

“Rousimar has long been considered one of the best Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners on the planet,” Sefo said. “But Steve Carl has submitted all three opponents he’s faced in the World Series of Fighting decagon, including his October win over Josh Burkman to become champion. I think this is going to be an incredible championship fight and a memorable main event.”

Sefo was one of many MMA industry figures who criticized Palhares for his actions at UFC FN 29 in October, which led to the fighter being banned by the UFC. Palhares held on to a fight winning heel hook after opponent Mike Pierce tapped out, and the latter’s knee and ankle were injured as a result. Palhares was suspended in 2010 f0r similar actions.

Palhares has said he never intended to hurt Pierce at UFC FN 29.

The controversy marred what was a successful welterweight debut for Palhares (15-5), who was coming off losses to middleweights Hector Lombard and Alan Belcher heading into the bout.

Carl (21-3) is riding a seven fight win streak and has scored submission wins over Ramico Blackmon, Tyson Steele and Josh Burkman under the WSOF banner. In October, Carl choked Burkman unconscious with a third round, triangle-choke to become the promotion’s 170 pound champ.

 

posted by FCF Staff @ 12:00 pm
Have a comment about this story? Please share with us by filling out the fields below.

Comments are closed.