TORONTO — Canadian light-heavyweight Misha Cirkunov will welcome American newcomer Alex (The Spartan) Nicholson to the UFC next month at UFC 196 in Las Vegas.
The 28-year-old from Toronto won his UFC debut in Saskatoon in August when he stopped late injury replacement Daniel (Werewolf of Texas) Jolly with 15 seconds remaining in the first round. It was the fifth straight first-round victory for the six-foot-three Cirkunov (10-2-0).
Nine of Cirkunov’s 10 wins have come in the first round.
The six-foot-four Nicholson (6-1-0) is also riding a five-fight win streak. He has been campaigning in Florida promotions most recently.
The main event Feb. 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena pits heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum against former title-holder Cain Velasquez.
