Costa Philippou vs. Lorenz Larkin Added To UFC Fight Night 40 In Cincinnati
A middleweight scrap between exciting strikers Costa Philippou and Lorenz Larkin has been added to the growing list of bouts on the May 10 UFC Fight Night 40 card from Cincinnati, Ohio.
The No. 10-ranked Philippou was last seen losing to a vicious liver kick from former Strikeforce 185-pound champion Luke Rockhold in the main event of UFC Fight Night 35 this January. The loss put him on a two-fight skid, as he dropped his previous bout to dangerous middleweight Francis Carmont at UFC 166 last October.
Prior to that, however, the Cypriot striker had won five straight bouts inside the Octagon.
The former professional boxer will look to rebound against Strikeforce veteran Larkin, who also fought at UFC Fight Night 35, dropping a decision to surging Brad Tavares. Interestingly enough, Larkin almost lost to Carmont in his UFC debut back at UFC on FOX 7 in a bout that many deemed the worst judging decision of 2013.
After starting his MMA career an undefeated 12-0, Carmont has gone 2-2 in his last four. He’ll have his hands full with the explosive Philippou, but he also has the chance to score a huge win over a ranked opponent. Philippou will be an excellent test of whether or not Larkin can become an actual contender in the UFC.
UFC Fight Night 40 from the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati will mark the promotion’s first return to Ohio in nearly seven years. Although without a confirmed headliner, the card is shaping up nicely with the previously announced Erik Koch vs. Daron Cruickshank, Eddie Wineland vs. Johnny Eduardo, Nik Lentz vs. Manny Gamburyan, and Ed Herman vs. Rafael Natal bouts.
With middleweight suddenly becoming one of the most wide-open and talented divisions in the UFC, each and every win will come at a premium. Given the striking talent and power of both Philippou and Larkin, this one could end quickly. Who is your early pick to come out on top?
Photo: Gary A. Vasquez for USA TODAY Sports
