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Tim Boetsch (15-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) is about to take another huge step up in competition.
UFC officials today confirmed that Boetsch will meet Michael Bisping (22-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) at UFC 148, which takes place July 7 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airs live on pay-per-view.
Additionally, a bantamweight matchup between Renan Barao (28-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and Jeff Hougland (10-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC) has been added to the card.
In his most recent performance, Boetsch delivered a spectacular come-from-behind victory against Yushin Okami at UFC 144. Down two rounds after contending with the onetime title challenger's crisp standup work, he charged back early in the third round and landed a barrage of punches that forced a stoppage.
It was Boetsch's third consecutive win since dropping to middleweight this past year. Prior to Okami, he outpointed Kendall Grove and Nick Ring.
Bisping is on the mend after seeing a shot at the middleweight title evaporate with a decision loss to Chael Sonnen at UFC on FOX 2. The always-controversial Brit had won four consecutive bouts prior to the setback, beating such standouts as Dan Miller, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Jorge Rivera and Jason Miller.
Barao, who boasts an incredible 28-fight unbeaten streak, looks for his fourth-straight UFC win and seventh victory under the Zuffa banner. The 25-year-old Brazilian earned WEC wins over Chris Cariaso and Anthony Leone before the UFC absorbed that promotion's bantamweight division. Since then, Barao has earned wins over Scott Jorgensen, Brad Pickett and Cole Escovedo.
Following his UFC 143 win over Jorgensen, Barao admitted his eyes are on the title.
"The title is my goal," Barao said. "I train every day, and I'm ready for it."
"The objective is to fight for the belt, whoever it is – Dominick Cruz or whoever stands in line. I'm here for it."
Meanwhile, Hougland looks to play the role of spoiler in just his second UFC appearance. "Hellbound" debuted at this past July's UFC 132 event, where he earned a decision win over fellow newcomer Donny Walker. Hougland was then expected to face Mike Easton at this past October's UFC on Versus 6 event but was forced to withdraw after suffering an injury in training.
After opening his career just 1-4 (and nearly walking away from the sport), Hougland has since put together a nine-fight win streak that includes six submission victories.
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