Jul-4-2006

Joe Jordan to Replace Huerta at UFC 61

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By Thomas Gerbasi

With UFC newcomer Roger Huerta forced to pull out of his bout with Hermes Franca at UFC 61 due to injury, Joe Jordan has been tabbed to replace his teammate against the Brazilian vet on Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

“He’s world-class, one of the best out there, so I definitely have my hands full with him,” said Jordan of Franca. “He doesn’t have great wrestling takedowns, but he tries very hard so it makes up for some of the lack of skill there. He has world-class submissions and his striking is not real smooth or real pretty, but he’s got a lot of power and he tries real hard.”

A 27-year-old native of Pikeville, Kentucky who now fights out of the Miletich camp in Bettendorf, Iowa, Jordan (23-9-2 in MMA)  is a hard-nosed competitor who is currently riding a five fight winning streak, and he’s thrilled to be making his Octagon debut this weekend.

“I know everybody says it, but other than a dream come true, it’s vindication,” said Jordan.