Former UFC middleweight title contender Thales Leites to make MFC debut against Bryan Baker on Dec. 4

By Jacob Camargo October 16, 2009Former UFC middleweight title contender Thales Leites will likely return to action for the first time since being released from the UFC to take on WEC veteran Bryan Baker at MFC 23: "Unstoppable" on Dec. 4 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. As previously reported by FiveKnuckles.com, Leites signed with the MFC last month. His August release from the UFC surprised many as the talented submission specialist fought for the promotion's middleweight title just four months prior. Leites (14-3) is coming off of a close split decision loss against Alessio Sakara at UFC 101 in August. Prior to the loss at UFC 101, he had earned a shot against UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva after winning five consecutive fights. He went on to lose a lackluster five-round decision against Silva at UFC 97 in April in a bout that drew a good amount of criticism for his cautious approach. Leites exited the UFC with a 5-3 record, with wins over ...