Kerr (15-10, 1 NC), who rose to prominence in the early days of Pride and the UFC, will carry a four-fight-losing streak into the bout -- his first since a September 2008 submission loss to American Top Team’s Jeff Monson. Unbeaten in the first 13 fights of his career, Kerr has never recaptured the magic. A national champion wrestler at Syracuse University, Kerr has dropped nine of his last 11 fights and has not won a match since he submitted Chuck Huus with a keylock at a C3 Fights show in March 2008.
Penner, 29, has rattled off five consecutive wins, four of them finishes, since his decision loss to Jimmy Ambriz in April 2008. The 255-pound Canadian last appeared in March, when he decisioned Joe Fonoti at The Fight Club 6 “Domination.” Penner (8-1) has never been finished in nine career bouts.
The KOTC show will also feature UFC veteran Jose Land-Jons, as he continues his recovery from a gruesome leg injury suffered in a 2008 fight with Brian Gassaway. The 35-year-old Brazilian will match skills with journeyman Shannon Ritch, who has not had a fight advance beyond the first round in more than four years.
In the main event, Bill Mahood will square off with Bill Mesi for the KOTC Canadian light heavyweight championship.