Former Strikeforce heavyweight contender Chad “The Gravedigger” Griggs makes his Octagon debut against unbeaten prospect Travis “Hapa” Browne at UFC 145 on March 24, 2012 in Montréal, Québec, Canada. UFC officials announced the heavyweight tilt on the promotion’s website earlier today.
The bout joins a previously announced welterweight clash between rising star Rory “Ares” MacDonald and British striker “Beautiful” Che Mills on the card. MacDonald returns to action in his native Canada after injuries kept him out of the cage for part of 2011 and looks for this third straight win.
Griggs (11-1-0) has finished all 11 of his conquered opponents to date by TKO or submission due to strikes. He made his Strikeforce debut in August 2010 as a significant underdog against then-prospect Bobby “The Dominator” Lashley. Despite a good start for Lashley, the former pro wrestler fatigued badly and Griggs took advantage by landing a barrage of strikes before the end of round two. Lashley was unable to continue and Griggs picked up a big victory that has since led to stoppages of another former top prospect, Gian Villante, and veteran Valentijn “The Python” Overeem. The hard-hitting Griggs now makes his UFC debut as the Strikeforce heavyweight division is phased out.
Browne (12-0-1) has also established himself as a proven finisher with ten stoppage wins in his career. He is unbeaten in four UFC bouts, with three victories and a contentious Draw with Chieck Kongo at UFC 120. The Hawaiian had a tougher fight than expected in his most recent bout with Rob “The Bear” Broughton, but emerged victorious via Unanimous Decision and looks to be a win away from becoming a contender in the UFC’s heavyweight division. A victory over Griggs would move Browne another step up the heavyweight ranks, but the division is expected to become even more competitive next year with additional arrivals from Strikeforce.
MacDonald (12-1-0) has quickly become one of the brightest prospects in the welterweight division. The British Columbia native won his first ten fights, including his UFC debut early last year, before suffering his lone defeat against former WEC Welterweight Champion Carlos Condit very late in a fight that MacDonald was winning. Since then, MacDonald has bounced back with impressive victories over Nate Diaz and Mike “Quicksand” Pyle. The 22-year-old, who has been training alongside UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre in recent months, will look to end the hype behind Mills in March.
Mills (14-4-0, 1 NC) scored a pair of stoppage wins over future DREAM Welterweight Champion Marius “The Whitemare” Zaromskis early in his career, but untimely losses kept him out of the Octagon until his long-awaited debut last month at UFC 138. Facing TUF 13 alum Chris Cope, Mills demolished his less experienced foe and finished him with knees and punches in just 40 seconds. Seven of the Englishman’s wins have come by knockout and he will pose a significant threat to MacDonald on the feet, but Mills’s submission defence has been a liability at times in the past.
UFC 145 takes place on March 24, 2012 at the Bell Centre in Montréal, Québec, Canada.
(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)