Nelson vs LaFlare, Seery vs Harris, Pickett vs McCall, Ticket info & more announced for UFC Dublin

Five fights for the card of the UFC’s much-anticipated return to Dublin on July 19th, including a co-main event between SBG’s Gunnar Nelson and fellow undefeated welterweight Ryan LaFlare, were revealed this evening.

The bout between Nelson and LaFlare was announced by SBG Ireland via their twitter page, before BT Sport’s Beyond the Octagon confirmed the other four, including two flyweight bouts; a re-match between Ireland’s Neil Seery and Phil Harris, with Brad Pickett taking on Ian McCall, a fight initially scheduled for UFC Fight Night 37 in London back in March, before the latter pulled out through injury. At 205lbs, Cody Donovan battles Nikota Krylov, and Tom Lawlor squares off against Sweden’s Ilir Latifi.

Unfortunately, there was no mention of Conor McGregor, so speculation regarding his return is likely to continue for the time being, at least.

Tickets will be available through Fight Club pre-sale on June 4^th, Newsletter pre-sale June 5th and on general release June 6^th. and will be priced from €50.

Joining hosts Caroline Pearce and Gareth A. Davies on the show to make the announcement were Irish TUF 19 competitors, Cathal Pendred and Chris Fields, both of whom will helping SBG teammate Nelson prepare for LaFlare at his camp in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Their coach, John Kavanagh, said LaFlare presents an interesting challenge for Nelson, but is confident his student will prevail.

“LaFlare is more of a grappler but being southpaw and having a long reach, he presents interesting problems. However Gunni has a very good southpaw sparring partner ;). I would also say that his takedown game is very smooth, he transitions from one takedown to another very well, but I think his submission game is still raw and Gunni is going to have an advantage in that area”

UFC Fight Night Dublin is to take place in the 02 Arena, and will be just the second event hosted by world’s largest MMA promotion on Irish soil, with their previous visit being in January 2009 for UFC 93, which was headlined by Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin, with the former winning by split-decision.