Two Heavyweights to Debut at UFC® 83 in Montreal

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By Thomas Gerbasi

On April 19th at Montreal’s sold out Bell Centre, the UFC heavyweight division gets an injection of new blood when newcomers Brad Morris and Cain Velasquez clash in a preliminary bout on the UFC 83: Serra vs St-Pierre 2 card.

Headlined by the highly-anticipated welterweight title rematch between Matt Serra and Georges St-Pierre, as well as middleweight bouts between Rich Franklin and Travis Lutter, and Michael Bisping and Charles McCarthy, UFC 83 is sold out. The only way to see the show will be on pay-per-view beginning at 10pm ET.

A native of Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia, who now makes his home in Sydney, the 6 foot 1, 230 pound Brad Morris (10-2) comes to the UFC with a strong ground and pound attack, unorthodox striking, and a seemingly endless well of stamina. A five year veteran of the sport, Morris is currently on a three fight winning streak, with his last victory being a second round stoppage of UFC vet Kristof Midoux last August. Now he gets his shot in the Octagon.

“Fighting in the UFC is the pinnacle of MMA, and thinking about some of the great fighters that have fought for the UFC is a humbling thought,” said the 29 year old Morris. “The offer to fight in the UFC is recognition of all the hard work and sacrifice that I have put myself through, and it’s great that it’s finally paid off.”

A member of the world-renowned AKA camp that has produced such UFC standouts as Jon Fitch, Mike Swick, and Josh Koscheck, Cain Velasquez comes to the Octagon with only two pro fights, but the buzz around the Arizona native has been deafening.

After earning All-American honors in wrestling twice, the Arizona State product turned to mixed martial arts in 2006 and he has since won both of his pro fights via first round TKO. Morris knows he’s in for a tough fight against the 25-year old on April 19th, but he’s ready for anything Velasquez throws at him.

“I have seen his fights, he looks good standing and his ground control appears to be very solid,” said Morris of Velasquez. “Cain comes from a well respected team and is a big athletic guy. From what I have seen and heard his conditioning is great as well. Cain will be a big challenge, but one I am looking forward to.”

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