The first two fights have been announced for April’s The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale event. In a heavyweight bout, Gabriel Gonzaga (14-6, 9-5 UFC) will take on Travis Browne (13-1-1, 4-1-1 UFC) after UFC President Dana White announced that verbal agreements are in place for the fight.
In the second women’s fight to be set for a UFC card, former Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate (13-3, 0-0 UFC) will take on Cat Zingano (7-0, 0-0 UFC). The winner of the fight could be in line for the next title shot at the winner of next weekend’s Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche fight at UFC 157.
Gonzaga has won two straight fights since returning to the UFC and most recently submitted Ben Rothwell at UFC On FX 7 in January. Browne is coming off his first career loss when he suffered a knockout loss to Antonio Silva at UFC On FX 5 in October. Browne suffered injuries during the bout and is now set to make his return.
The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale takes place on April 13 from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will feature the fighters competing on this current season of The Ultimate Fighter coached by Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen, capped off with the finals of the tournament. The card will air on FX, FUEL TV and Facebook.
