Riki Fukuda meets Steve Cantwell at UFC 144 – UFC News
American mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Steve Cantwell is scheduled for a fight against Japanese MMA fighter Riki Fukuda. According to the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) officials, both fighters are set to meet at UFC 144.
The event will be held next year in Japan on February 26, 2012.
Both fighters have been doing well in the UFC ring. Fukuda made his UFC debut in February 2011 against Canadian MMA fighter Nick Ring in Australia but lost on his debut. He would want to beat Cantwell at UFC 144 to start his UFC
account as a winner. For 25-year old Cantell, he made his UFC debut in December 2008 at the UFC: Fight for the Troops event. He defeated American MMA fighter Razzak Al-Hassan by a technical submission by using his armbar.
For Cantell, this match at UFC 144 would be a must win bout. He has been on a losing streak recently. He has lost four straight fights and his career looks gloomy. Cantell may fear if his UFC would consider releasing him if he
loses at UFC 144. He lost to Brazilian MMA fighter Luiz Cane at UFC 97 in April 2009 followed by a loss to American MMA fighter Brian Stann at UFC Fight Night event in September 2009.
Cantell did not compete in any match throughout 2010. In 2011, he has been unable to win either of his two fights. He lost to French MMA fighter Cyrille Diabate in March 2011 and then to American fighter Mike Massenzio at UFC 136
in October 2011. Fukudua would have a huge home ground advantage as he would have a strong support from the local fans when UFC 144 takes place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
Fukuda will also be entering into the UFC octagon ring at UFC 144 with a loss that he faced in February 2011 at UFC 127. This loss came after a seven straight win that he enjoyed from August 2008 to August 2010. He would also look
forward to remove the scars of his defeat at UFC 127. Both fighters would be hopeful to win their bout in Japan and give the locals a fight that would keep the fans at the edge of their seats.
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