The co-main event and two other match-ups have been added to the UFC 196 fight card.
Hendricks-Thompson, Nelson-Rosholt and Burkman-Noons added to UFC 196
Former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks will step back inside the Octagon against Stephen Thompson in the UFC 196 co-main event. Heavyweights Roy Nelson and Jared Rosholt will do battle on the PPV main card, with Josh Burkman and KJ Noons being added to the preliminary card.
Hendricks (17-3) was expected to face off against Tyron Woodley at UFC 192 in October, however an intestinal blockage and kidney stone attack forced “Big Rigg” out of the bout. His last fight was a unanimous decision win over Matt Brown at UFC 185 in March. Thompson (11-1) is riding a five-fight winning streak, with victories over Nah-Shon Burrell, Chris Clements, Robert Whittaker, Patrick Cote and most recently Jake Ellenberger.
Nelson (20-12) is riding a three-fight losing skid dating back to September 2014. His losses have come to seasoned veterans Mark Hunt, Alistair Overeem and Josh Barnett. “Big Country’s” last victory was against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC Fight Night 39. Rosholt (14-2) is the opposite of Nelson and riding a three-fight winning streak. He picked up the biggest win of his career at UFC 193 against Stefan Struve.
Burkman (27-12, 1NC) has not found victory inside the cage since knocking out Tyler Stinson at WSOF 9 in 2014. Since returning to the UFC he has a no-contest against Hector Lombard and losses to Dong Hyun Kim and Patrick Cote. Noons (13-8, 1NC) is coming off a loss to Alex Oliveira at UFC Fight Night 67 in May.
UFC 196 goes down on February 6 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The heavyweight title is up for grabs in the main event as Fabricio Werdum squares off against former champ Cain Velasquez.
