One of The Ultimate Fighter 27’s most intriguing prospects is officially getting his shot in the UFC.
The promotion announced Wednesday that Luis Pena will fight Richie Smullen in a lightweight bout at The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale on July 6 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Pena became a standout early in the show with his distinct afro, unique nickname (“Violent Bob Ross,“ a reference to his resemblance to the television painter), and impressive measurements (he’s a 6-foot-3 lightweight). He entered the TUF house with a 4-0 professional record and went on to defeat Jose Martinez Jr. by unanimous decision in the quarterfinals of the season’s tournament.
Unfortunately for Pena, he suffered a foot injury in the bout and was ruled medically unfit to continue in the competition.
Smullen, 3-0-1 prior to appearing on the show, suffered his own malady that spoiled his hopes of becoming the next Ultimate Fighter. The SBG Ireland product did not even get to compete in the tournament as he was struck by severe leg cramps just moments before he was supposed to fight Allan Zuniga. Doctors ruled Smullen ineligible to fight and Zuniga was granted a bye.
In his last outing at BAMMA 30 last July, Smullen fought Rhys McKee to a majority draw.
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