SPORTSNET.CA
Edmonton’s Ryan (The Real Deal) Ford has yet another opponent to prepare against for his welterweight title fight Friday.
Veteran American boxer Pat Healy steps in to take the place of Joe Jordan, who suffered a back injury, in the main event of MFC 17: Hostile Takeover at the River Cree Resort and Casino in Enoch, Alta.
While Jordan was prepared to continue with the fight, organizers felt his condition and any difficulty to cut weight warranted making a change.
Healy (18-14) most recently fought in the IFL, where he alternated two wins with two losses. His last fight was in February, when he fell by unanimous decision to Jake Ellenberger.
His most notable win was over current WEC champion Carlos Condit in June 2006. He followed that with his only appearance in the UFC, where he submitted via rear naked choke by Anthony Torres.
Healy is managed by Jake Hattan, a former MFC lightweight title contender. He will be cornered by UFC fighter Ed Herman.
Ford, who will be have former MFC fighter and current UFC middleweight contender Jason (The Athlete) MacDonald in his corner, is looking to stay undefeated in his mixed martial arts career. Ford (7-0) has won three of his past four fights by rear naked choke, including his past two against veterans Pete Spratt and C.J. Fernandes.
NOTES: Friday’s event is the last in an initial three-event deal to air MFC shows on Mark Cuban’s HDNet. Cuban is expected to be in attendance in Edmonton. … Another change to the MFC 17 card sees Middleweight Brad Zazulak replaced by Levi Avera on the main card.
