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[CJRockstar]

James Giboo vs. Brad Blackburn at UFC Fight Night 14
by Dann Stupp on Jun 19, 2008 at 10:18 am ET
James Giboo (11-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) and Brad Blackburn (12-9-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will meet at the recently scheduled UFC Fight Night 14 event, which is headlined by UFC middleweight champ Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin in a non-title light-heavyweight fight.

Giboo and Blackburn, UFC welterweights newcomers, recently agreed to the bout, sources close to both fighters tell MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com).

The event takes place July 19 at The Palms Las Vegas and airs on Spike TV.

Giboo, an Iowa-based fighter who's fought in the Midwest's top regional promotions, is currently riding a six-fight win streak. The 30-year-old has balanced a fighting career with duties as a high school biology teacher and wrestling coach. The noted ground fighter has finished nine of his 11 career victories via submission, most by rear-naked or triangle choke.

Blackburn, a former IFL fighter based out of Seattle, trains under Maurice Smith with Andy Reese, who will meet Brandon Vera at the same July 19 event. The 31-year-old has lost just once in his past five fights, which included a victory over highly touted IFL welterweight Jay Hieron in June 2007.

UFC Fight Night 14 was announced just this week. It'll counter Affliction's debut show, which features a main event of Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia. The "Affliction: Banned" card airs first on FSN, and then the main card will be available on pay per view ($39.95).

For the latest on UFC Fight Night 14, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

James Giboo vs. Brad Blackburn at UFC Fight Night 14 | MMAjunkie.com

[LethalStriker]

Blackburn's record is very deceiving since he's better then a 12-9 fighter, just got off to a slow start in his career. But hard to call a winner for this fight since I know nothing at all about Giboo. Is Giboo a total unknown fighter like Ryan Roberts who lost rather quickly to Aurelio or is he someone like Kevin Burns who pulled off the big upset of Carneiro is the question.

[Bubbles]

Affliction has nothing to worry about. I hope UFC adds at least a few big names

[LethalStriker]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

Affliction has nothing to worry about. I hope UFC adds at least a few big names

Other then Sylvia and Arlovski the Affliction card doesn't have that many fighters well known to the average PPV buying customer.

[sfa152lber]

Definitely looking forward to seeing Brad Blackburn in the UFC. He is a tough dude, just a little inconsistent. But, with solid takedown defense and great punching power, he can be a good challenge for any 170'lber. Good pick up by the UFC. I wonder what IFL guy is next (Gusmao, Reese, Blackburn, and the list keeps growing).

[Nintendomark]

Yeah, Brad definately has power in his hands. I remember him turning the fight around w/Delson Heleno in the 3rd before he was about to lose by decision.

[Bran]

Originally Posted by LethalStriker

Other then Sylvia and Arlovski the Affliction card doesn't have that many fighters well known to the average PPV buying customer.

yeah, but to be fair Sylvia is kind of a counter-buy fighter. most people that know him hate him and have no interest in seeing him fight. maybe if they knew who fedor was and the likeliness of him getting pounded into oblivion or getting his arm broken again, they'd be interested, but i doubt it.

i wonder what the sports bars will be airing though. i think people that are going to buy affliction aren't going to be swayed by the UFN, but how many sports bar buys are they going to lose? that could cost them.