Former UFC light heavyweight title contender Ovince Saint Preux is making the move to heavyweight.
First reported by ESPN, OSP will head up a weight class to take on “Big” Ben Rothwell at the UFC card in Jacksonville, Florida on May 13. The card is the second of three straight shows in the city for the UFC, who finally seem to have a plan in place to produce shows during the coronavirus outbreak.
Rothwell (37-12) was originally slated to face another light heavyweight moving up in Gian Villante at UFC 249. For rather obvious reasons, that fight fell through. UFC 249 now takes place on May 9 in Jacksonville, and Rothwell will fight just a few days later.
“Big” Ben was last seen defeating Stefan Struve at UFC on ESPN 7 in Washington, D.C. back in December. The might was marred by low blows landed by Rothwell, which led to the referee encouraging Struve to fight on. Rothwell eventually finished his opponent in the second round.
Saint Preux (24-13) will enter the fight off a win over Michał Oleksiejczuk in September, where he once again pulled off a Von Flue choke submission. The choke has become a trademark for OSP.
The May 13 card, which does not have an official title as of yet, will be headlined by Glover Teixeira vs. Anthony Smith at light heavyweight.
