Alan Belcher vs. Rousimar Palhares set for UFC on FOX 3 event

UFC President Dana White delivered the goods via his Twitter account just a few minutes ago:

Alan Belcher vs Rousimar Palhares fight added to FOX card!!!!!!

This is the second fight announcement in as many days regarding the third show on FOX that’s scheduled to take place in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on May 5th at the IZOD Center. Alan Belcher (17-6) comes into this fight after a big win over Jason MacDonald in September 2011. It was Belcher’s first fight after suffering a near career ending eye injury which put him on the shelf for over a year and a half. Belcher has always stated that he wants to fight top guys and he certainly gets his wish in a bout with Palhares. Belcher has won submission of the night and fight of the night honors twice in his UFC career.

Rousimar Palhares (14-3) is coming off a quick submission win over Mike Massenzio back at UFC 142. Palhares has become known for his vicious submission wins which have resulted in several injuries to previous opponents. Palhares has won three consecutive fights since losing to Nathan Marquardt in September 2010, and has won submission of the night honors twice during his UFC career.

This is an excellent middleweight matchup with Palhares being primarily a grappler going up against Belcher who is versed in submissions but is the more well rounded fighter. This is the 10th figh announced for the UFC on FOX 3 event. The fight card is below:

• Nate Diaz vs. Jim Miller
• Josh Koscheck vs. Johny Hendricks
• Alan Belcher vs. Rousimar Palhares
• Pat Barry vs. Lavar Johnson
• John Dodson vs. Darren Uyenoyama
• Tony Ferguson vs. Dennis Hallman
• Pascal Krauss vs. John Hathaway
• Danny Castillo vs. John Cholish
• Mike Massenzio vs. Karlos Vemola
• Louis Gaudinot vs. John Lineker