Las Vegas, NV (USA) The Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC® ) organization returns to New Jersey for the first time in over two years. In the main event at Newarks Prudential Center, two of the most decorated
graduates from The Ultimate Fighter® will meet, as season two winner Rashad Evans (15-0-1) battles season three winner Michael Bisping (15-0) in a battle that will not only leave one of these unbeatens with a loss on his record, but will validate the victor as the future of the light heavyweight division.
The UFC presents UFC 78: VALIDATION Saturday, November 17, live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Forrest Griffin and Keith Jardine proved that The Ultimate Fighter guys are for real, said Dana White, UFC President. Forrest beat Shogun, and Jardine beat Chuck Liddell, showing that winners of The Ultimate Fighter
are top contenders in their weight class. Now, for the first time ever, we have winners from The Ultimate Fighter fighting each other. Michael Bisping and Rashad Evans are both undefeated, and they are both
aggressive fighters who want to prove that they are the best in the 205 pound division. This should be an incredible fight, and whoever wins this fight will be considered for a light heavyweight title shot.
Also added to the pay-per-view portion of the show are four explosive bouts featuring a mix of veteran contenders and rising stars.
In a light heavyweight contest, two of the most aggressive strikers in the game today will collide when Houston Alexander (8-1) faces Thiago Silva (11-0). Alexander has been the breakout performer of 2007, winning his first two UFC bouts against Keith Jardine and Alessio Sakara by knockout in less than two combined minutes. Chute Boxes Silva has been just as impressive in stopping James Irvin and Tomasz Drwal in his debut fights in the Octagon.
Former middleweight title challenger David Terrell (10-2) makes his long-awaited return to the UFC against The Ultimate Fighter 3 finalist Ed Herman (15-4). For Terrell, who owns a first round knockout win over Matt Lindland, it will be his first fight in the Octagon since he submitted Scott Smith in a single round at UFC 59 in April of 2006. Herman is currently riding a two fight win streak with impressive submission victories over the aforementioned Smith and Chris Price.
Top five welterweight contender Karo Parisyan (25-4), winner of seven of his last eight bouts, will also be in action on November 17th as he takes on Ryo Chonan.
Opening up the UFC 78 pay-per-view card is a lightweight matchup that should live up to or exceed all expectations it is likely to have placed on it as rising star Frankie Edgar (7-0) faces a stern test in highly-regarded contender Spencer Fisher (20-3).
