Confirmed: Yvel Vs. Dos Santos At UFC 108

A veteran of almost 50 fights, Gilbert Yvel is set to make his UFC debut against Junior Dos Santos at UFC 108.

Yvel, 33, was thought to be Octagon bound after Affliction Entertainment closed its doors in August, but sat in limbo until the Nevada State Athletic Commission issued him a provisional one-fight license in October.

Yvel’s controversial past has weighed on his current career. The Dutch striker turned MMA fighter drew outrage for several well-publicized incidents of misconduct including striking a referee and intentionally fouling his opponent.

The incidents prompted the Nevada State Athletic Commission to deny him a fight license in February 2007, nixing a fight with Sergei Kharitonov in Las Vegas at Pride 33.

After almost 50 overseas fights, Yvel made his U.S. debut in January after a special meeting with the California State Athletic Commission, where he assured regulators that his misdeeds would not be repeated.

Yvel is what he is. A incredibly talented striker who can be neutralized by any half decent wrestler. He’s lost to; Henderson, Horn, Frye, Fujuita and Josh Barnett and many lesser opponents.

As a big PRIDE fan you’d expect me to be the first in line to defend Yvel but the truth is I can’t.  Time and time again we’ve seen guys come over from Japan who built up their record fighting cans get destroyed in the UFC.  I was shocked that the public reaction was mainly pro-Yvel.

Has Gilbert ever beat anyone of note…besides that poor referee?

Prediction: Dos Santos tries to stand with him for a round before taking him down and submitting him with ease in Round 2.

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