According to multiple sources a fight between two of Asia’s top bantamweights has been added to the UFC 234 card. Teruto Ishihara has reportedly been booked to take on Kyung Ho Kang in Melbourne on February 9th.
Ishihara (10-6-2) went undefeated in his first three fights with two wins and a draw, rapidly establishing himself as a fan favourite. However his recent form has not been so impressive and the TUF Japan winner has lost four out of his last five.
By contrast Kang (14-8-0-1) has won three out of his last four. The former Road FC 135lbs champion is coming off a split decision loss that slightly spoiled his momentum but has already beaten two Japanese fighters inside the Octagon.
UFC 234 is set for the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne and will be headlined by a middleweight title fight between Robert Whittaker (20-4) and Kevin Gastelum (15-3). Kang and Ishihara won’t be the only Asian bantamweights in action. the card also features China’s Wuliji Buren.
Wuliji (9-5) will be looking to pick up his first UFC win at the third attempt when he faces Jonathan Martinez (9-2), who is coming off a decision loss on his Octagon debut. Meanwhile Israel Adesanya (15-0), who made his name fighting in China, takes on middleweight legend Anderson Silva (34-8-0-1).
UFC 234, Melbourne, February 9th
Robert Whittaker (c) vs Kevin Gastelum (For UFC Middleweight Title)
Israel Adesanya vs Anderson Silva (Middleweight)
Jim Crute vs Ryan Spann (Light Heavyweight)
Wuliji Buren vs Jonathan Martinez (Bantamweight)
Kai Kara-France vs Raulian Paiva Frazao (Bantamweight)
Montana de la Rosa vs Nadia Kassem (Flyweight)
