Australian MMA veteran Kyle Noke has officially been added to the UFC Fight Night 101 lineup.
Noke (22-9-1) will take on American fighter Dominique Steele (14-8) in front of home fans in what is set to be a packed out Rod Laver Arena on 27 November.
Noke is currently riding a 2 fight-losing streak for only the second time in his career. He dropped a contentious split decision to Alex Morono at UFC 195 and was most recently submitted by Keita Nakamura with only one second to spare in the second round at UFC Fight Night 91.
Melbourne, here we come!! #ufc #ufcmelbourne pic.twitter.com/n68EBmsO4A
— Kyle Noke (@KyleNoke) October 6, 2016
The TUF 11 alum will be looking to bounce back to his winning ways on home soil. Indeed a trip home might be just what is needed for Noke to return to the winner’s column. The welterweight has been largely successful when the octagon has visited Australia – going 3-1 in fights down under with his lone defeat back in 2012.
The Aussie’s most recent performance was almost 12 months ago when he landed a vicious front kick resulting in a TKO over Peter Sobotta at the record-breaking UFC 193 at Etihad Stadium In Melbourne. Noke will be looking for a repeat performance when the Octagon returns to Melbourne in just over six weeks time.
However Steele will be no easy opponent. The powerful American is also riding a 2 fight-losing streak and will be looking to utilise his explosive style to snatch victory from the local favourite.
Fans should expect fireworks from Steele as his fan friendly fighting style has secured him “Fight of the Night” bonuses in half of his Octagon appearances.
New Zealand’s Dan Hooker has also indicated that he will appear on the Melbourne fight card. The Kiwi who fights out of Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand will be looking to continue his recent winning form after submitting Mark Eddiva in Brisbane at UFC Fight Night 85.
A photo posted by Dan “Hangman” Hooker (@danhangman) on
Hooker was recently campaigning to replace a late withdrawal BJ Penn in his bout against Ricardo Lamas that was set to headline the UFC’s return to the Philippines before the fight card was cancelled.
Hooker’s opponent for UFC Fight Night 101 has not yet been confirmed by the UFC.
UFC Fight Night 101 bouts now include:
- Luke Rockhold v. Ronaldo Souza.
- Derek Brunson v. Robert Whittaker.
- Kyle Noke v. Dominique Steele.
- Daniel Kelly v. Chris Camozzi.
- Jake Matthews v. Andrew Holbrook.
- Richard Walsh v. Jonathan Meunier.
- Dan Hooker v. TBA
