Undefeated Michael Kuiper to face Rafael Natal at UFC 143 – UFC News
UFC 143 scheduled for February 2012 will feature Michael Kuiper take on Rafael Natal. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) management confirmed the bout on November 29, 2011. The fight would take place on February 4, 2012.
What makes this fight interesting is the fact that Kuiper, the mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from the Netherlands would be making his debut at the UFC.
Kuiper would be motivated to win his debut bout inside the UFC octagon ring. Kuiper would also get an added advantage by the fact that he will be coming to the UFC arena with an undefeated career history. He made his MMA debut
in February 2009 in Germany against French MMA fighter Ahmed Sultan. The Dutch MMA fighter won this bout through his submission move, the triangle choke.
In total, Kuiper has won eleven consecutive fights since his debut to his last bout this year. His intimidating career statistics may be a cause of concern for his opponent, the 28-year old Brazilian Natal, nicknamed Sapo. Natal
has been a successful contender in the UFC circuit since he made his UFC debut in September 2010 at UFC Fight Night against Rich Attonito.
Nata lost on his debut through a unanimous decision. His second bout in the UFC was a draw when he faced Canadian Jesse Bongfeldt at UFC 124 in December 2010. He won his first fight in the UFC at UFC 133 in August 2011. For Natal,
winning his bout at UFC would not be a motivational factor for he has lost three fights in his career and won thirteen. On the other hand, Kuiper has won all eleven of his bouts, which would give him the focus to keep his aggression going when he faces Natal
in February next year.
The big challenge for Natal would be to get Kuiper down on the mat for a submission move. This could be possible but keeping in mind Kuiper’s undefeated streak, one can assume at this moment that the Dutch MMA fighter will give
a tough time to Natal. The Brazilian MMA fighter would have his hands full for he has never faced Kuiper in the ring. Both fighters can bring their best game at UFC 143.
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