UFC Vets Neer, Alessio Highlight Superior Cage Combat 2

Ten bouts are now official for Superior Cage Combat 2, which goes down Aug. 20 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. The event will be highlighted by a pair of welterweight contests featuring UFC veterans Josh Neer and John Alessio taking on former WEC and Strikeforce competitors Blas Avena and Waachiim Spiritwolf, respectively.

Two ex-UFC lightweights will be showcased, as Justin Buchholz faces Thiago Meller and John Gunderson locks horns with James Birdsley. Also featured will be former IFL competitors Victor Moreno and Bristol Marunde , who meet in a middleweight tilt.

Known as “The Dentist,” Neer (Pictured) is a veteran of 41 pro bouts. The 28-year-old is an eight-year pro and has competed in the UFC, IFL and Bellator. Most recently, Neer earned his third straight win by defeating Jesse Juarez via TKO on June 25.

Avena holds only a quarter of Neer’s pro experience despite competing for World Extreme Cagefighting six times between 2007 and 2009. The 28-year-old earned a 3-3 record in that promotion, notching wins over Dave Terrel, Joe Benoit and Tiki Ghosn. Avena was last seen in February, when he submitted Kenny Marzola with a rear-naked choke.

Alessio made his last Octagon appearance in 2006, dropping a decision to Thiago Alves. A 13-year MMA vet, “The Natural” recently had a seven-fight win streak snapped by Siyar Bahadurzada in the United Glory welterweight tournament semifinals in March.

Spiritwolf has competed for King of the Cage, Bellator and Strikeforce. Known for his resilience, the 35-year-old last competed at Tachi Palace Fights 9 in May, where he was defeated by unanimous decision by Jorge Lopez.