UFC 181 just got a whole lot more interesting.

On Tuesday, the UFC took to Twitter to announce that a light heavyweight matchup between TUF 19 champion Corey Anderson and Long Island native Gian Villate had officially been aded to UFC 181 in Las Vegas.

Anderson (4-0) was last seen being pulled off TUF teammate Matt Van Buren just 61 seconds into the bout at the The Ultiamte Fighter 19 Finale in July. As a two-time college wrestling All-American, the man known as ‘Beastin 25/8′ was widely considered one of the more promising prospects in the 205-pounds division even before being selected first overall by Frankie Edgar on the show. He cemented his status as one the stronger fighters in the house with three straight decision victories before knocking out Van Buren in the tournament finale.

Villante (12-5 ) is coming off a close split decision victory over Sean O’Connell at UFC Fight Night 43 in New Zealand. Prior to this victory, the former Hofstra University linebacker suffered a heartbreaking decision loss to Fabio Maldonado at UFC Fight Night 38 in Brazil. He will enter the bout with a UFC record of 2-2.

UFC 181 is set to take place on Dec. 6 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Here’s how the rest of the card is shaping up:

  • UFC middleweight champ Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort
  • UFC lightweight champ Anthony Pettis vs. Gilbert Melendez
  • Travis Browne vs. Brendan Schaub
  • Corey Anderson vs. Gian Villante

About The Author

News Manager

José began his career as a mixed martial arts journalist while still enrolled at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University. Since graduating in May 2013, he has attended dozens of high profile UFC fight cards as a credentialed member of the media, providing live cage side coverage through his articles and videos. His work has appeared on UFC.com, ArizonaSports.com and AZCentral. He is also currently one of the main contributors on Power MMA Show at Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, one of the first all MMA radio shows on a major radio station.