UFC on FOX 2 Fresh Faces: Lavar Johnson and Eric Wisely

Lavar Johnson (L) throwing a left against Devin Cole (R). (Photo courtesy of lasvegassun.com.)

UFC on FOX 2 takes place this Saturday at the United Center in Chicago, Ill., and features a main event between “Suga” Rashad Evans and Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis.

The UFC will be bringing in two new combatants to make their debut; both may be new to the UFC, but have over 20 years of profession experience combined.

Heavyweight Fighter, Lavar Johnson

Name: Lavar “Big” Johnson

Weight Class: Heavyweight

Record: 15-5 (13 (T)KO’s 2, submissions)

Recent body of work: Lost to Shawn Jordan via submission at Strikeforce Challengers: “Larkin vs. Rossborough” on Sept. 23, 2011.

Who he is: Turning professional in 2004, Johnson compiled an impressive 13-3 record until tragedy hit.  On the Fourth of July, Johnson and four other family members fell victim to a shooting during a reunion.  Being a conditioned athlete, Johnson came back from critical condition status to collect two straight wins in 2010.  Spending the last two years of his career with Strikeforce, “Big” will be one of the first heavyweights to be brought over since Zuffa took over his former employer.

Featherweight Fighter, Eric Wisely

Name: Eric “Little Lee” Wisely

Weight Class: Featherweight

Record:  19-6 (7 (T)KO’s, 3 submissions,)

Recent body of work: Defeated Brandon Girtz via TKO at Driller Promotions/SEG: “Downtown Showdown 1″ on Nov. 26, 2011.

Who he is:  A fabricator by trade, Wisely has been fighting for over five years and has never been finished through 25 fights.  “Little Lee” has gained notable wins over Lance Wipf, Matt Veach as well as two victories over UFC vet Hermes Franca.  Fighting out of Clinton, Iowa with Team Conquest, Wisely made a brief appearance with the Strikeforce Challenger series, but now looks towards the UFC going 4-1 over his past five fights.