UFC's Gomi vs. WEC's Roller in superfight

GOMI VS. ROLLER SUPERFIGHT ADDED TO UFC® FAN EXPO™

Japanese Sensation Takanori Gomi Set to Grapple Against WEC® Lightweight Contender Shane Roller 

Las Vegas, NV – One of the world’s most accomplished mixed martial artists will meet one of the sport’s most decorated wrestlers in a can’t-miss grappling contest just added to next week’s UFC® FAN EXPO™.

UFC President Dana White announced today that UFC star and MMA legend Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi will take on three-time Division I All-American wrestler and WEC star Shane Roller in a grappling superfight slated for Saturday, May 29 at 1PM PT inside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

By pairing the explosive Gomi with the relentless Roller, White believes fans are in for an exciting superfight.

“Takanori Gomi is a legend in Japan and has won numerous grappling championships,” White said.  “Shane Roller is an incredible wrestler and an explosive athlete. This will be an amazing match and we are excited to bring it to our fans at the UFC Fan Expo.”

The UFC Fan Expo also features four other anticipated grappling superfights. On Friday, May 28, ADCC world champion Penny Thomas locks horns with MMA veteran Shayna Baszler in a women’s match, while UFC veteran Hermes Franca grapples jiu jitsu phenom Bill Cooper. Then on Saturday, May 29, WEC contender Javier Vazquez battles 23-time Grapplers Quest champ Jeff Glover, while MMA star Caol Uno meets four-time jiu jitsu world champion Fredson Paixao. All superfights take place at 1pm PT each day inside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

Roller, a Las Vegas resident who defeated Anthony Njokuani by first-round submission in his last bout on April 24, sees his superfight against Gomi as a way to solidify his grappling credentials.

“This is a huge opportunity for me,” Roller, who wrestled collegiately at Oklahoma State University and trains jiu jitsu under the renowned Marc Laimon, said. “Some of the best grapplers in the world are competing at the UFC Fan Expo. I’m hoping to show the grappling world my skills and put myself on the map.”