UFC Fight Night 18’s only confirmed fight so far is Efrain Escudero (11-0) vs. Jeremy Stephens (14-3).
However, reports are now surfacing that “The Ultimate Fighter” season eight bad boy, Junie Browning (3-0) will likely face American Top Team’s Cole Miller (14-3) at the event.
Browning, a Kentucky native, is sure to have a lot of fans and friends show up to support him in the Volunteer State. The bout between Browning and Miller has been verbally agreed upon but not yet signed according to our friends over at MMAJunkie.
UFC Fight Night 18 is expected to take place in Nashville, TN on April 1, 2009. Tennesse is still yet to hold its first professional MMA event. Although numerous amateur events have been held, the first officially sanctioned pro MMA event in Tennessee is expected to take place on February 20th when the XFC arrives in Knoxville.
Cole Miller is coming off a very impressive win over BJJ Black Belt, Jorge Gurgel at UFC 86 in July, 2008. Browning’s UFC debut was at the TUF 8 Finale in December, 2008 when he defeated fellow cast member Dave Kaplan. With Browning’s powerful striking and Miller’s impressive ground skills this should be a real test for for both fighters.
UFC Fight Night 18 will broadcast live on SPIKE TV and will serve as a lead-in for the season premier of The Ultimate Fighter 9: U.S. vs. U.K. with coaches Michael Bisping and the winner of UFC 93’s Rich Franklin vs. Dan Henderson match.