UFC 74: RESPECT

UFC 74: RESPECT
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Distributed by Canadastar Boxing Inc.
To Canadian Commercial Establishments
On Closed Circuit-Pay Per View

HUERTA Vs. CRANE

ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP® ANNOUNCES RETURN OF
"EL MATADOR" AT UFC 74: RESPECT

Ultimate Fighting Championship® organization announced that Roger Huerta has been added to the UFC 74 fight card and that he will take on Alberto Crane, a Jiu-Jitsu black belt from New Mexico.

"Roger has shown that with the right dedication and motivation, you can overcome a tough upbringing and find your way to success," said UFC President Dana White. "On August 25, he will face a new challenge with Alberto Crane, and we will find out which of these two fighters can keep their perfect record. I think this will be one of the best fights we'll see at UFC 74".

Roger "El Matador" Huerta overcame a harrowing upbringing in Mexico, El Salvador, and Texas before finding wrestling in high school. That sport set his life on a positive path that would eventually lead him into mixed martial arts and eventually to the UFC. With a 4-0 record in the Octagon™, Huerta holds a convincing decision victory over Jason Dent at UFC 63 and a 19-second victory over John Halverson at UFC 67. He also won a decision over Leonard Garcia at UFC 69 in a three-round battle that was honored as UFC's "Fight of the Night." A split-second moment of this fight was also captured by Sports Illustrated and became the magazine's first ever cover of a UFC fighter.

In his most recent fight, Huerta took on Doug Evans, a state wrestling champion fighting out of Alaska. Evans showed his grappling and wrestling expertise in the first round, but Huerta bounced back in the second round and dominated Evans on ground, unleashing a barrage of strikes until the referee called a stop to the fight.

"I am honored to be part of this great fight card. I can tell you without a doubt that you will see a Roger that you have not seen before," said Huerta. "I will be faster, stronger, and more explosive than ever. I feel hungrier than ever and I will dedicate this fight to all of the UFC fans who have supported me. I wish the best to my opponent, and I look forward to fighting him August 25."

Alberto has a perfect 8-0 record. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist, seven of his eight victories have all been by submission. Alberto is very excited about his UFC debut and is certain he will stop Huerta's win streak at UFC 74.

"Fighting in the UFC is a dream come true," said Crane. "I have always wanted to fight in the UFC and I am grateful to finally have the opportunity to show what I can do. The only thing I have to say to Roger is 'let's bring it' and give the fans a good show."

Huerta vs. Crane is on the main card.

Source: Ultimate Fighting Championship Press Release
Las Vegas, Nevada; July 19, 2007