A bantamweight clash between two undefeated and exciting prospects is set for the city of angels, Anaheim, California. Sources close to the situation confirmed Manny Bermudez faces Benito Lopez at UFC 233. The news was first reported by FloCombat.com.
The Bermudez Triangle
Bermudez looks to continue his climb in the ranks of the UFC’s stacked bantamweight division. The Boston fighter is undefeated thus far into his professional career. With a 13-0, the young fighter is a clinical finisher. In his 13 bouts, he holds 11 stoppage victories. 10 of the 11 came by way of submission.
UFC 233 represents the ‘Bermudez Triangles’ third bout for the promotion. Previously, he spent the vast majority of his amateur and early pro days with the Plymouth based promotion, Cage Titans. On the regional circuit, Bermudez dispatched a hefty list of the areas toughest fighters. From the likes of Dan Dubuque (current Cage Titans lightweight champion), Tony Gravely (current CES bantamweight champion), and both Almeida brothers, Saul and Rodrigo.
In his short time with the UFC, Bermudez thoroughly impressed pundits and fans alike. At 2-0, he finished both opponents within the first two rounds. His debut came against Albert Morales at UFC on Fox 28 in Orlando, Florida. In his second bout, the skills of Bermudez came out in full display as he knocked down Davey Grant and submitted him within 1 minute at UFC Fight Night 134.
Benito Lopez
The second half of the undefeated duel, Benito Lopez, rode a different path to the UFC. While he does hold similar success to Bermudez, Lopez made his way into one of the deepest divisions through the DWTNCS. On the prospect feeder show, Lopez defeated Steven Peterson by split decision in an entertaining fight. UFC president Dana White was impressed by Lopez, enough so that he exclaimed signing the young fighter was, “a no-brainer”.
Since signing with the promotion, Lopez fought once. In his debut, he defeated Albert Morales by unanimous decision. The victory was only the fourth decision victory of Lopez’ pro career. In the remaining five victories, he earned two submissions and three TKO/KO finishes.
