John Alessio Stepping in to Face Mark Bocek at UFC 145
John Alessio has been waiting over five years to get back inside the Octagon and an injury to Matt Wiman has given him that opportunity. According to Mark Bocek via twitter, his original UFC 145 opponent (Wiman) injured his knee and has been replaced by the veteran Alessio.
Alessio (34-14) has fought three separate times from the UFC, but is 0-3 in those bouts with losses against Pat Miletich (UFC 26), Diego Sanchez (UFC 60) and Thiago Alves (Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3). Fighting primarily as a welterweight throughout his career, Alessio recently dropped down to lightweight where he has won his only two fights at 155 pounds. Alessio has won 10 of his last 11 fights, including a win over Phil Collins (not the singer) at Tachi Palace Fights 7 for their vacant welterweight championship.
Alessio recently appeared on MMAValor.com as one of three former UFC fighters deserving of another shot inside the Octagon.
Bocek (10-4) will be making his 11th appearance in the UFC and has fought many of the top lightweights in the division, including Frankie Edgar, Jim Miller and Benson Henderson. He most recently defeated Nik Lentz at UFC 140 via unanimous decision last December in Toronto, Canada.
UFC 145 takes place April 21st from the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia and will be headlines by the light heavyweight champions Jon Jones versus the former champion Rashad Evans.
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