‘The Count’ faces Le Cung in UFC

MANILA, Philippines - Eighth-ranked Michael “The Count” Bisping and former Strikeforce champion Le Cung  clash in a middleweight showdown that has the makings of a classic as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the Cotai Arena in Macao on Aug. 23.

Vietnamese born Le (9-2, fighting out of San Jose, Califronia) makes a grand comeback in the Octagon after a two-year hiatus that saw him serve as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter China, the organization’s long-running reality series, and pursue his action movie career.

As he fights again  at the Cotai arena, the site of his highlight reel knockout of Rich Franklin, Le will look to build on his reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in combat sports history against Bisping (24-6, fighting out of Orange County, California).

The Briton is consistently on the verge of title contention and a win over Le would mark his first victory over a former champion, ensuring his name stays at par with the division’s best.

In the co-main event, the hard-hitting No. 4-ranked welterweight, Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley (13-3-0) – who boasts of wins over top names such as former UFC champion Carlos Condit, Josh Koscheck, Paul Daley and Tarec Saffiedine – faces off with the surging No.9 ranked Dong Hyun Kim (19-2-1, 1 no contest, fighting out of Busan, South Korea).

The 170lbs clash has major UFC world title implications. “Stun Gun” has a ton of momentum after crushing victories over John Hathaway and a knockout of the night performance against Erick Silva, while Woodley is potentially one huge win away from a shot at UFC gold. Both fighters will be looking to cement their place amongst the division’s elite in this three-round bout.

Also on the stacked card, Yang Jianping (7-3-1) and Ning Guangyou (4-2-1) will dispute the featherweight title of The Ultimate Fighter® China and a coveted UFC contract.

UFC Filipino fans can get to catch this momentous fight. Tickets are priced approximately at PHP 26,400 (HK$4,680), PHP 14,500 (HK$2,580), PHP 9,500 (HK$1,680), PHP 5,000 (HK$880), PHP 3,300 (HK$580), PHP 2,200 (HK$380) and PHP 1,600 (HK$280), with a 20% off Early Bird promotion through July 8th. Around PHP 495 (HK$88) adds a round trip Cotai Water Jet ferry ticket between Hong Kong and Macao (HK$280 tickets excluded).