One of MMA’s most experienced female fighters, Julie “Fireball” Kedzie, is set to welcome an Octagon newcomer to the UFC on December 7th at UFC Fight Night 33: “Hunt vs Bigfoot” in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Kedzie faces unbeaten Russian prospect Aleksandra “Stitch” Albu on the card.

UFC officials announced the featured bantamweight matchup today. Kedzie is coming off of a close Split Decision loss to Germaine “The Iron Lady” de Randamie in her July UFC debut. Albu reportedly began her MMA career with four fights in Thailand and most recently earned a TKO victory in June.

Kedzie (16-12-0) has faced nearly all of MMA’s premier female bantamweights during her nine-year pro career. The Jackson’s MMA star holds three wins over former Strikeforce title challenger Jan “Cuddles” Finney, and she has also outpointed Invicta FC competitors Sarah “The Monster” D’Alelio and Kaitlin Young in recent years. In August 2012, Kedzie engaged in a thrilling battle with former Strikeforce champ Miesha “Cupcake” Tate, but succumbed to an armbar late in the third round. She now looks to get back on track after dropping a competitive decision to de Randamie at UFC on FOX 8.

Albu (5-0-0) is a former bodybuilding champion who has trained extensively in Muay Thai, judo and submission grappling. She is a black belt and European bronze medallist in Goshin Jutsu karate, and has spent time perfecting her striking game in Thailand. Albu reportedly opened her MMA career with four victories, though details of her bouts in Thailand remain scarce. In her first fight at home in Russia, Albu knocked out Lyubov Demidova under the Octagon Fight Club banner on June 29th. She now takes a massive step up in competition for her UFC debut in December.

UFC Fight Night 33: “Hunt vs Bigfoot” takes place on December 7th at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The bout between Kedzie and Albu will be a part of the event’s preliminary card.

(Photo Credit: UFC)