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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Darren Elkins is dropping down to the featherweight division, and is expected to face Michihiro Omigawa at UFC 131 in June, according to a report from MMAJunkie.com.
The 12-2 Elkins split his two appearances in the UFC's lightweight division in 2010, spending a total of 85 seconds inside of the Octagon. His UFC debut was cut short when opponent Duane "Bang" Ludwig suffered a nasty ankle injury just 44 seconds into the first round. His second bout ended even more quickly, but this time it wasn't in his favor. Brazilian buzzsaw Charles Oliveira caught him in an armbar in 41 seconds to hand him his second career loss.
He's now agreed to meet Omigawa, who returned to the UFC at UFC 126 earlier this month. After dropping to the featherweight division himself in 2008 after two straight losses in the UFC in his first stint with the organization, Omigawa compiled an 8-2-1 record in Japan before returning to the UFC. However, his return saw him get battered for three rounds against Chad Mendes, his first loss since a 2009 split decision loss to Masanori Kanehara in the Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix finals.
UFC 131 is expected to take place from Vancouver on June 11, headlined by a heavyweight bout between Brock Lesnar and Junior Dos Santos.
Penick's Analysis: This is an interesting fight. Omigawa had a lot of success over in Japan, but he lost decisively upon his return against Mendes. But Elkins is a complete wild card, as his two UFC fights haven't lasted long, and his "win" came because of a freak injury. Also, his only other career loss came by TKO 13 seconds into a fight in May of 2009. But he's only gone to decision twice in his career, and holds a win over current Bellator #1 contender and tournament winner Pat Curran. He could do a lot of damage at featherweight, but this will be a big test to see just where he'll stand in the division. I like the matchup.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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