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Champ Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson possible for UFC 149 in Calgary
With UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo likely off the card and headed to UFC 147 in Brazil, July's UFC 149 event in Calgary may still get a title fight.
At a press conference today in Rio de Janeiro, UFC president Dana White mentioned the possibility of light-heavyweight champ Jon Jones (16-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) and Dan Henderson (29-8 MMA, 5-2 UFC) headlining UFC 149.
However, White said it'll depend on Jones' recovery following this past weekend's win over Rashad Evans.
"If we could make that fight happen (at UFC 149), that'd be great," White said.
UFC 149 takes place July 21 at Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome. The night's main card airs on pay-per-view.
Jones, who would have exactly three months between fights if he takes the UFC 149 slot, earned a unanimous-decision victory over Evans this past weekend at Atlanta's Phillips Arena. It marked his seventh straight win, his fourth consecutive victory over a former UFC champ, and his third consecutive title defense. It also cemented his status as one of the sport's top pound-for-pound fighters.
Henderson, meanwhile, is on a 7-1 run that includes fights at middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight. The heavyweight win came over Fedor Emelianenko under the Strikeforce banner. Henderson scored a knockout win against the Russian then signed with the UFC and topped light heavyweight Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in a "Fight of the Year" performance at UFC 139. Since then, he's waited on the sidelines for his promised title shot.
Henderson said winning a UFC title is the one career milestone that's eluded him in an illustrious career.
With UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo likely off the card and headed to UFC 147 in Brazil, July's UFC 149 event in Calgary may still get a title fight.
At a press conference today in Rio de Janeiro, UFC president Dana White mentioned the possibility of light-heavyweight champ Jon Jones (16-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) and Dan Henderson (29-8 MMA, 5-2 UFC) headlining UFC 149.
However, White said it'll depend on Jones' recovery following this past weekend's win over Rashad Evans.
"If we could make that fight happen (at UFC 149), that'd be great," White said.
UFC 149 takes place July 21 at Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome. The night's main card airs on pay-per-view.
Jones, who would have exactly three months between fights if he takes the UFC 149 slot, earned a unanimous-decision victory over Evans this past weekend at Atlanta's Phillips Arena. It marked his seventh straight win, his fourth consecutive victory over a former UFC champ, and his third consecutive title defense. It also cemented his status as one of the sport's top pound-for-pound fighters.
Henderson, meanwhile, is on a 7-1 run that includes fights at middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight. The heavyweight win came over Fedor Emelianenko under the Strikeforce banner. Henderson scored a knockout win against the Russian then signed with the UFC and topped light heavyweight Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in a "Fight of the Year" performance at UFC 139. Since then, he's waited on the sidelines for his promised title shot.
Henderson said winning a UFC title is the one career milestone that's eluded him in an illustrious career.
Del Rosario vs. Miocic added to UFC 146, main card remains all heavyweights
Next month's UFC 146 event will keep its all-heavyweights pay-per-view main card.
After Gabriel Gonzaga (13-6 MMA, 8-5 UFC) recently took a vacant slot against Roy Nelson (16-7 MMA, 3-3 UFC) on the card, Shane Del Rosario (11-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) was left without an opponent.
However, fellow unbeaten Stipe Miocic (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has stepped in as a replacement, UFC president Dana White today announced via Twitter.
UFC 146 takes place May 26 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In addition to the PPV main card, which features UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos vs. Frank Mir, FX and Facebook carry the preliminary card.
Strikeforce vet Del Rosario fights for the first time under the UFC banner. An undefeated kickboxing specialist, Del Rosario had been expected to face Daniel Cormier in a Showtime bout this past June, but a drunk driver rear-ended him, which resulted in a herniated disc and a lengthy recovery. He now fights for the first time since a February 2011 submission win over Lavar Johnson. It marked his 11th stoppage win in 11 fights, 10 of which have come in the first round.
Miocic, a veteran and titleholder in Ohio's regional NAAFS promotion, made his UFC debut in late 2011 and scored a unanimous-decision victory over Joey Beltran. The former Golden Gloves champion and NCAA Division I wrestler and baseball player at Cleveland State University then fought in February at UFC on FUEL TV 1, where he scored a "Knockout of the Night" award for his victory over Phil De Fries. He now has six knockouts in eight career wins.
The full UFC 146 card includes:
MAIN CARD (pay-per-view)
•Champ Junior Dos Santos vs. Frank Mir - for heavyweight title
•Antonio Silva vs. Cain Velasquez
•Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Roy Nelson
•Shane Del Rosario vs. Stipe Miocic
•Mark Hunt vs. Stefan Struve
PRELIMINARY CARD
•Diego Brandao vs. Darren Elkins
•Edson Barboza vs. Evan Dunham
•C.B. Dollaway vs. Jason "Mayhem" Miller
•Paul Sass vs. Jacob Volkmann
•Dan Hardy vs. Duane "Bang" Ludwig
•Kyle Kingsbury vs. Glover Teixeira
•Mike Brown vs. Daniel Pineda
Next month's UFC 146 event will keep its all-heavyweights pay-per-view main card.
After Gabriel Gonzaga (13-6 MMA, 8-5 UFC) recently took a vacant slot against Roy Nelson (16-7 MMA, 3-3 UFC) on the card, Shane Del Rosario (11-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) was left without an opponent.
However, fellow unbeaten Stipe Miocic (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has stepped in as a replacement, UFC president Dana White today announced via Twitter.
UFC 146 takes place May 26 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In addition to the PPV main card, which features UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos vs. Frank Mir, FX and Facebook carry the preliminary card.
Strikeforce vet Del Rosario fights for the first time under the UFC banner. An undefeated kickboxing specialist, Del Rosario had been expected to face Daniel Cormier in a Showtime bout this past June, but a drunk driver rear-ended him, which resulted in a herniated disc and a lengthy recovery. He now fights for the first time since a February 2011 submission win over Lavar Johnson. It marked his 11th stoppage win in 11 fights, 10 of which have come in the first round.
Miocic, a veteran and titleholder in Ohio's regional NAAFS promotion, made his UFC debut in late 2011 and scored a unanimous-decision victory over Joey Beltran. The former Golden Gloves champion and NCAA Division I wrestler and baseball player at Cleveland State University then fought in February at UFC on FUEL TV 1, where he scored a "Knockout of the Night" award for his victory over Phil De Fries. He now has six knockouts in eight career wins.
The full UFC 146 card includes:
MAIN CARD (pay-per-view)
•Champ Junior Dos Santos vs. Frank Mir - for heavyweight title
•Antonio Silva vs. Cain Velasquez
•Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Roy Nelson
•Shane Del Rosario vs. Stipe Miocic
•Mark Hunt vs. Stefan Struve
PRELIMINARY CARD
•Diego Brandao vs. Darren Elkins
•Edson Barboza vs. Evan Dunham
•C.B. Dollaway vs. Jason "Mayhem" Miller
•Paul Sass vs. Jacob Volkmann
•Dan Hardy vs. Duane "Bang" Ludwig
•Kyle Kingsbury vs. Glover Teixeira
•Mike Brown vs. Daniel Pineda
Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen title fight moved from UFC 147 to UFC 148
A title fight and rematch between UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva (31-4 MMA, 14-0 UFC) and challenger Chael Sonnen (27-11-1 MMA, 6-4 UFC) has moved from UFC 147 in Brazil to UFC 148 in Las Vegas.
UFC president Dana White today announced the change.
The announcement came at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, which initially was expected to host UFC 147.
UFC 148 takes place July 7 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. A bantamweight title fight between champion Dominick Cruz (19-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) and longtime rival Urijah Faber (26-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC), who currently serve as coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter: Live," will be demoted from the pay-per-view event's headliner to the the co-headliner under Silva vs. Sonnen.
UFC officials initially announced UFC 147 and Silva vs. Sonnen II for June 23 at Joao Havelange Stadium (also known as Engenhao Stadium) in Rio. However, in recent weeks, White said the company was considering a different date due to the United Nations' "Rio +20" meeting, which is scheduled for June 20-22 in Rio de Janeiro. That meeting prompted political pressure from local officials and a lack of hotel rooms for such a large UFC stadium show. That prompted speculation of Silva vs. Sonnen moving off the card altogether.
In addition to the move of Silva vs. Sonnen, White also today revealed some new plans for UFC 147. Currently, the event is scheduled for June 23, but a host city and venue haven't been determined. But the card features "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil" coaches Wanderlei Silva (34-11-1 MMA, 4-6 UFC) vs. Vitor Belfort (21-9 MMA, 10-5 UFC).
Sonnen dominated reigning champ Anderson Silva for four rounds before succumbing to a last-round triangle choke at UFC 117 in 2010. Sonnen set up a rematch with a January win over Michael Bisping, and Silva since has defeated the likes of Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami. The rematch is likely to be one of the biggest fights in MMA history.
A title fight and rematch between UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva (31-4 MMA, 14-0 UFC) and challenger Chael Sonnen (27-11-1 MMA, 6-4 UFC) has moved from UFC 147 in Brazil to UFC 148 in Las Vegas.
UFC president Dana White today announced the change.
The announcement came at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, which initially was expected to host UFC 147.
UFC 148 takes place July 7 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. A bantamweight title fight between champion Dominick Cruz (19-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) and longtime rival Urijah Faber (26-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC), who currently serve as coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter: Live," will be demoted from the pay-per-view event's headliner to the the co-headliner under Silva vs. Sonnen.
UFC officials initially announced UFC 147 and Silva vs. Sonnen II for June 23 at Joao Havelange Stadium (also known as Engenhao Stadium) in Rio. However, in recent weeks, White said the company was considering a different date due to the United Nations' "Rio +20" meeting, which is scheduled for June 20-22 in Rio de Janeiro. That meeting prompted political pressure from local officials and a lack of hotel rooms for such a large UFC stadium show. That prompted speculation of Silva vs. Sonnen moving off the card altogether.
In addition to the move of Silva vs. Sonnen, White also today revealed some new plans for UFC 147. Currently, the event is scheduled for June 23, but a host city and venue haven't been determined. But the card features "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil" coaches Wanderlei Silva (34-11-1 MMA, 4-6 UFC) vs. Vitor Belfort (21-9 MMA, 10-5 UFC).
Sonnen dominated reigning champ Anderson Silva for four rounds before succumbing to a last-round triangle choke at UFC 117 in 2010. Sonnen set up a rematch with a January win over Michael Bisping, and Silva since has defeated the likes of Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami. The rematch is likely to be one of the biggest fights in MMA history.
UFC 147 keeps Belfort vs. Silva 2, expected to get champ Aldo at venue TBA
Although the event has lost its headliner, UFC 147 will soldier on.
At a press conference today in Rio de Janeiro, UFC president Dana White today announced UFC 147 will take place at a date to be determined with a Wanderlei Silva (34-11-1 MMA, 4-6 UFC) vs. Vitor Belfort (21-9 MMA, 10-5 UFC) bout. Additionally featherweight champion Jose Aldo also (21-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is expected to fight at the event.
A previously announced headliner and rematch between middleweight champion Anderson Silva (31-4 MMA, 14-0 UFC) and challenger Chael Sonnen (27-11-1 MMA, 6-4 UFC) has been moved to July's UFC 148 event, as MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) reported earlier today.
Currently, White said, the event still will take place June 23, though a venue hasn't been determined.
UFC officials initially announced UFC 147 at Joao Havelange Stadium (also known as Engenhao Stadium) in Rio. However, White recently said conflicts with the United Nations' "Rio +20" meeting, which is scheduled for June 20-22 in Rio, could prompt some changes. Instead of the stadium, which could have broken the UFC's all-time attendance record (55,724 attendees at UFC 129), UFC 147 now is searching for a new venue.
Admittedly, Silva was disappointed he couldn't fight in Brazil.
"He was very upset about not fighting in Brazil," White said. "He wanted to fight Chael Sonnen here. ... I finally convinced him to take the fight in Las Vegas."
Aldo initially was announced for a headlining spot at UFC 149 in Calgary on July 21, but instead, White said he expects the Brazilian to fight at UFC 147 in his home country.
Additionally, White confirmed UFC 147 still will feature both tournament finales from "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil," which is currently at the midseason point, as well as Brazilian heavyweight Fabricio Werdum (15-5-1 MMA, 3-2 UFC) vs. Mike Russow (15-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC).
Although the event has lost its headliner, UFC 147 will soldier on.
At a press conference today in Rio de Janeiro, UFC president Dana White today announced UFC 147 will take place at a date to be determined with a Wanderlei Silva (34-11-1 MMA, 4-6 UFC) vs. Vitor Belfort (21-9 MMA, 10-5 UFC) bout. Additionally featherweight champion Jose Aldo also (21-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is expected to fight at the event.
A previously announced headliner and rematch between middleweight champion Anderson Silva (31-4 MMA, 14-0 UFC) and challenger Chael Sonnen (27-11-1 MMA, 6-4 UFC) has been moved to July's UFC 148 event, as MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) reported earlier today.
Currently, White said, the event still will take place June 23, though a venue hasn't been determined.
UFC officials initially announced UFC 147 at Joao Havelange Stadium (also known as Engenhao Stadium) in Rio. However, White recently said conflicts with the United Nations' "Rio +20" meeting, which is scheduled for June 20-22 in Rio, could prompt some changes. Instead of the stadium, which could have broken the UFC's all-time attendance record (55,724 attendees at UFC 129), UFC 147 now is searching for a new venue.
Admittedly, Silva was disappointed he couldn't fight in Brazil.
"He was very upset about not fighting in Brazil," White said. "He wanted to fight Chael Sonnen here. ... I finally convinced him to take the fight in Las Vegas."
Aldo initially was announced for a headlining spot at UFC 149 in Calgary on July 21, but instead, White said he expects the Brazilian to fight at UFC 147 in his home country.
Additionally, White confirmed UFC 147 still will feature both tournament finales from "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil," which is currently at the midseason point, as well as Brazilian heavyweight Fabricio Werdum (15-5-1 MMA, 3-2 UFC) vs. Mike Russow (15-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC).
Cruz vs. Faber title fight remains on UFC 148, part of stacked PPV lineup
Although it'll no longer headline the event, a bantamweight title fight and rubber match between champion Dominick Cruz (19-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) and longtime rival Urijah Faber (26-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC) will remain a part of UFC 148.
UFC officials today announced it'll co-headline the July event, which now features a headlining title fight between middleweight champion Anderson Silva (31-4 MMA, 14-0 UFC) and Chael Sonnen (27-11-1 MMA, 6-4 UFC).
Silva vs. Sonnen was moved from UFC 147 to UFC 148 earlier today, which promoted concerns Cruz vs. Faber might also be moved to a different event.
Instead, it'll now be part of the one of the most stacked cards in UFC history.
UFC 148 takes place July 7 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view, and FX and Facebook are expected to carry the prelims. In addition to the co-headliners, the card features notables such as Rich Franklin, Tito Ortiz, Rich Franklin and Michael Bisping.
Cruz and Faber currently serve as opposing head coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter: Live." Their tradition coach-vs.-coach bout takes place a month after the reality show's conclusion on FX.
It's their third meeting overall; Faber won the first at WEC 26 via submission to defend the WEC featherweight title, and in 2011, Cruz avenged the defeat with a unanimous-decision victory at UFC 132 to defend his UFC belt.
The latest UFC 148 card now includes:
•Champ Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen (for middleweight title)
•Champ Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber (for bantamweight title)
•Rich Franklin vs. Cung Le
•Forrest Griffin vs. Tito Ortiz
•Michael Bisping vs. Tim Boetsch
•Renan Barao vs. Ivan Menjivar
•Fabricio Camoes vs. Melvin Guillard
•Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Gleison Tibau
•Dong Hyun Kim vs. Demian Maia
•Riki Fukuda vs. Constantinos Philippou
Although it'll no longer headline the event, a bantamweight title fight and rubber match between champion Dominick Cruz (19-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) and longtime rival Urijah Faber (26-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC) will remain a part of UFC 148.
UFC officials today announced it'll co-headline the July event, which now features a headlining title fight between middleweight champion Anderson Silva (31-4 MMA, 14-0 UFC) and Chael Sonnen (27-11-1 MMA, 6-4 UFC).
Silva vs. Sonnen was moved from UFC 147 to UFC 148 earlier today, which promoted concerns Cruz vs. Faber might also be moved to a different event.
Instead, it'll now be part of the one of the most stacked cards in UFC history.
UFC 148 takes place July 7 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view, and FX and Facebook are expected to carry the prelims. In addition to the co-headliners, the card features notables such as Rich Franklin, Tito Ortiz, Rich Franklin and Michael Bisping.
Cruz and Faber currently serve as opposing head coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter: Live." Their tradition coach-vs.-coach bout takes place a month after the reality show's conclusion on FX.
It's their third meeting overall; Faber won the first at WEC 26 via submission to defend the WEC featherweight title, and in 2011, Cruz avenged the defeat with a unanimous-decision victory at UFC 132 to defend his UFC belt.
The latest UFC 148 card now includes:
•Champ Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen (for middleweight title)
•Champ Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber (for bantamweight title)
•Rich Franklin vs. Cung Le
•Forrest Griffin vs. Tito Ortiz
•Michael Bisping vs. Tim Boetsch
•Renan Barao vs. Ivan Menjivar
•Fabricio Camoes vs. Melvin Guillard
•Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Gleison Tibau
•Dong Hyun Kim vs. Demian Maia
•Riki Fukuda vs. Constantinos Philippou
YES!!!!!!!!!!!
Bellator champ Hector Lombard signs with UFC
Longtime Bellator champion Hector Lombard (31-2-1 MMA, 8-0 BFC) has officially signed with the UFC.
The 185-pound standout today announced the news via Twitter.
UFC president Dana White had expressed interest in the Cuban-Australian fighter, who recently fulfilled the terms of his Bellator contract after an 8-0 stint in the organization that's part of an overall 24-0-1 run in his past 25 outings.
Lombard didn't disclosed a debut date or opponent, and UFC officials haven't formally announced his signing. However, Bellator was in a matching period with the fighter, and according to MMAFighting.com, Bellator CEO and Chairman declined to match a lucrative UFC deal that includes pay-per-view bonuses for Lombard. (Only the UFC's top talent gets such PPV deals.)
With Lombard vacating the title, Rebney recently told MMAjunkie.com No. 1 contender Alexander Shlemenko will fight the winner of the current season-six middleweight tournament for the belt.
The UFC nearly brought the 34-year-old Lombard into the fold in 2007, but visa issues halted the possible debut at UFC 78. He's since fought primarily for Bellator and regional promotions in Australia. With Bellator, he he won a season-one tournament, made one title defense, and also won four non-title fights after winning the belt.
While losing a top fighter such as Lombard is a hit for Bellator, the organization's business model doesn't allow it to truly capitalize on big-name talent. Instead, the tournament format and newly di such as Lombardinexpensive) regional and international talent are the star attractions.
Additionally, Bellator has struggled to find quality competition for highly ranked fights such as Lombard, and with the organization's move from the little-watched MTV2 to the bigger Spike TV delayed until 2013, most of their plans are geared toward the future, not the present.
[video=youtube;ZW6c18K8LR4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW6c18K8LR4[/video]
Be nice, bro.
Bellator champ Hector Lombard signs with UFC
Longtime Bellator champion Hector Lombard (31-2-1 MMA, 8-0 BFC) has officially signed with the UFC.
The 185-pound standout today announced the news via Twitter.
UFC president Dana White had expressed interest in the Cuban-Australian fighter, who recently fulfilled the terms of his Bellator contract after an 8-0 stint in the organization that's part of an overall 24-0-1 run in his past 25 outings.
Lombard didn't disclosed a debut date or opponent, and UFC officials haven't formally announced his signing. However, Bellator was in a matching period with the fighter, and according to MMAFighting.com, Bellator CEO and Chairman declined to match a lucrative UFC deal that includes pay-per-view bonuses for Lombard. (Only the UFC's top talent gets such PPV deals.)
With Lombard vacating the title, Rebney recently told MMAjunkie.com No. 1 contender Alexander Shlemenko will fight the winner of the current season-six middleweight tournament for the belt.
The UFC nearly brought the 34-year-old Lombard into the fold in 2007, but visa issues halted the possible debut at UFC 78. He's since fought primarily for Bellator and regional promotions in Australia. With Bellator, he he won a season-one tournament, made one title defense, and also won four non-title fights after winning the belt.
While losing a top fighter such as Lombard is a hit for Bellator, the organization's business model doesn't allow it to truly capitalize on big-name talent. Instead, the tournament format and newly di such as Lombardinexpensive) regional and international talent are the star attractions.
Additionally, Bellator has struggled to find quality competition for highly ranked fights such as Lombard, and with the organization's move from the little-watched MTV2 to the bigger Spike TV delayed until 2013, most of their plans are geared toward the future, not the present.
[video=youtube;ZW6c18K8LR4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW6c18K8LR4[/video]
Be nice, bro.
Mark Munoz vs. Chris Weidman headlines UFC on FUEL TV 4 on July 11
An intriguing middleweight scrap between wrestling standout Mark Munoz (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) and undefeated prospect Chris Weidman (8-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) takes center stage at UFC on FUEL TV 4.
The headlining matchup was revealed on Tuesday's new edition of FUEL TV's "UFC Tonight."
The contest takes place July 11, though a location for the event has yet to be revealed.
The Wednesday night event is also expected to feature a light heavyweight bout between James Te Huna and Brandon Vera, though that bout has yet to be officially announced.
Munoz returns after being forced to bow out of a key contest with Chael Sonnen at January's UFC on FOX 2 event. Munoz was replaced by Michael Bisping, who would go on to lose a decision to Sonnen, who will now challenge Anderson Silva for the middleweight title in July. Munoz is also considered one of the top contenders in the division after racking up a four-fight win streak and boasting a 7-1 mark in his past eight fights.
Meanwhile, it was Munoz's bad luck that allowed Weidman to step into the UFC on FOX 2 card on short notice, taking Bisping's slot against Demian Maia. While the fight proved a sloppy affair, Weidman grinded out a decision win to remain undefeated in his eight-bout career and earn his fourth UFC win in less than 11 months.
An intriguing middleweight scrap between wrestling standout Mark Munoz (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) and undefeated prospect Chris Weidman (8-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) takes center stage at UFC on FUEL TV 4.
The headlining matchup was revealed on Tuesday's new edition of FUEL TV's "UFC Tonight."
The contest takes place July 11, though a location for the event has yet to be revealed.
The Wednesday night event is also expected to feature a light heavyweight bout between James Te Huna and Brandon Vera, though that bout has yet to be officially announced.
Munoz returns after being forced to bow out of a key contest with Chael Sonnen at January's UFC on FOX 2 event. Munoz was replaced by Michael Bisping, who would go on to lose a decision to Sonnen, who will now challenge Anderson Silva for the middleweight title in July. Munoz is also considered one of the top contenders in the division after racking up a four-fight win streak and boasting a 7-1 mark in his past eight fights.
Meanwhile, it was Munoz's bad luck that allowed Weidman to step into the UFC on FOX 2 card on short notice, taking Bisping's slot against Demian Maia. While the fight proved a sloppy affair, Weidman grinded out a decision win to remain undefeated in his eight-bout career and earn his fourth UFC win in less than 11 months.
Cheick Kongo vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira added to UFC 149 in Calgary
A heavyweight matchup between Frenchman Cheick Kongo (17-7-2 MMA, 10-5-1 UFC) and Brazilian Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-7-1 MMA, 4-3 UFC) has been added to UFC 149 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The matchup was first reported by the "Calgary Sun."
UFC 149, which could potentially feature a headliner between UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and top contender Dan Henderson, takes place July 21 at Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome. The evening's main card airs on pay-per-view, and FX and Facebook are expected to carry the prelims.
Kongo looks to rebound from a disappointing loss to Mark Hunt at February's UFC 144 event. The surprising defeat snapped a four-fight unbeaten streak for Kongo, who hasn't tasted defeat since a December 2009 loss to Frank Mir.
Meanwhile, Nogueira hopes to bounce back from a brutal technical submission loss to Mir at this past December's UFC 140 event. The MMA legend has alternated wins and losses over his past five outings, working wins over Brendan Schaub and Randy Couture in between a pair of losses to Mir and one to Cain Velasquez.
It was not revealed where the Kongo vs. Nogueira contest will take place on the UFC 149 lineup, but the high-profile matchup will likely take place on the evening's main card.
A heavyweight matchup between Frenchman Cheick Kongo (17-7-2 MMA, 10-5-1 UFC) and Brazilian Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-7-1 MMA, 4-3 UFC) has been added to UFC 149 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The matchup was first reported by the "Calgary Sun."
UFC 149, which could potentially feature a headliner between UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and top contender Dan Henderson, takes place July 21 at Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome. The evening's main card airs on pay-per-view, and FX and Facebook are expected to carry the prelims.
Kongo looks to rebound from a disappointing loss to Mark Hunt at February's UFC 144 event. The surprising defeat snapped a four-fight unbeaten streak for Kongo, who hasn't tasted defeat since a December 2009 loss to Frank Mir.
Meanwhile, Nogueira hopes to bounce back from a brutal technical submission loss to Mir at this past December's UFC 140 event. The MMA legend has alternated wins and losses over his past five outings, working wins over Brendan Schaub and Randy Couture in between a pair of losses to Mir and one to Cain Velasquez.
It was not revealed where the Kongo vs. Nogueira contest will take place on the UFC 149 lineup, but the high-profile matchup will likely take place on the evening's main card.
With UFC deal official, Hector Lombard calls out middleweight champ Anderson Silva
Well that didn't take long.
With the ink barely dry on his new UFC deal, former Bellator middleweight champ Hector Lombard (31-2-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) made his intentions perfectly clear.
"I want to be UFC middleweight champion, and I want to fight Anderson Silva to do it," Lombard stated. "I have such respect for him as a fighter. It would be an honor and a dream come true to test my skills against his."
Lombard originally announced the deal on Tuesday, and UFC officials today confirmed the new contract. The former Bellator champ vacated the belt to migrate to the UFC.
The UFC nearly brought the 34-year-old Lombard into the fold in 2007, but visa issues halted the possible debut at UFC 78. He's since fought primarily for Bellator and regional promotions in Australia. With Bellator, he he won a season-one tournament, made one title defense, and also won four non-title fights after winning the belt.
"I've wanted to fight in the UFC all my career," Lombard stated. "I wouldn't be in the UFC if I didn't think I could win the UFC world title."
A Cuban native and former Olympic judoka, Lombard trains with American Top Team. He currently boasts an incredible 25-fight win streak. A UFC debut date and opponent have yet to be named.
Silva, of course, is currently slated to fight Chael Sonnen in the main event of July's UFC 148 fight card.
Well that didn't take long.
With the ink barely dry on his new UFC deal, former Bellator middleweight champ Hector Lombard (31-2-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) made his intentions perfectly clear.
"I want to be UFC middleweight champion, and I want to fight Anderson Silva to do it," Lombard stated. "I have such respect for him as a fighter. It would be an honor and a dream come true to test my skills against his."
Lombard originally announced the deal on Tuesday, and UFC officials today confirmed the new contract. The former Bellator champ vacated the belt to migrate to the UFC.
The UFC nearly brought the 34-year-old Lombard into the fold in 2007, but visa issues halted the possible debut at UFC 78. He's since fought primarily for Bellator and regional promotions in Australia. With Bellator, he he won a season-one tournament, made one title defense, and also won four non-title fights after winning the belt.
"I've wanted to fight in the UFC all my career," Lombard stated. "I wouldn't be in the UFC if I didn't think I could win the UFC world title."
A Cuban native and former Olympic judoka, Lombard trains with American Top Team. He currently boasts an incredible 25-fight win streak. A UFC debut date and opponent have yet to be named.
Silva, of course, is currently slated to fight Chael Sonnen in the main event of July's UFC 148 fight card.
Two Great Fights Possibly Confirmed By Dana White On Twitter
Hector Lombard vs. Brian Stann
Scotty P ‏
@ufc
@MsKomatoze
white Brian Stann vs Hector Lombard?
Dana White ‏
C @chralesegan p0806 yup
Shogun vs. Thiago Silva
stephen foster
@MsKomatoze
white who is shogun fighting next
Dana White ‏
X @xalex4 oster23 Thiago Silva
Hector Lombard vs. Brian Stann
Scotty P ‏
@ufc
@MsKomatoze
white Brian Stann vs Hector Lombard?Dana White ‏
C @chralesegan p0806 yup
Shogun vs. Thiago Silva
stephen foster
@MsKomatoze
white who is shogun fighting nextDana White ‏
X @xalex4 oster23 Thiago Silva
Hector Lombard vs. Brian Stann targeted for UFC on FOX 4 in Los Angeles
Brian Stann (12-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) will serve as the UFC's welcoming committee for longtime Bellator champion and recent UFC signee Hector Lombard (31-2-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
Sources close to the event today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) the fighters are expected to meet in August in a network-televised UFC on FOX 4 main-card bout.
UFC president Dana White today tweeted the Stann vs. Lombard matchup but didn't reveal a date for it. MMAjunkie.com later confirmed the targeted event.
UFC on FOX 4 takes place Aug. 4 at Los Angeles' Staples Center. In addition to the FOX-televised main card, FUEL TV is expected to carry the prelims.
Lombard, Bellator's longtime middleweight champion, signed with the UFC just this past week. The Cuban-Australian standout enters the UFC on the strength of a 24-0-1 unbeaten streak that dates back to 2006. Lombard, who nearly signed with the UFC in 2007 before visa issues got in the way, most recently knocked out Trevor Prangley at Bellator 58, which fulfilled the terms of his Bellator deal. He concluded his run in the organization with an 8-0 record.
Stann recently picked up his fourth win in five fights with a first-round knockout via ground and pound of Alessio Sakara earlier this month at UFC on FUEL TV 2. Prior to the victory, the former WEC light-heavyweight champion snapped a three-fight win streak (over Mike Massenzio, Chris Leben and Jorge Santiago) and potentially cost himself a title shot with a second-round submission loss to upcoming title challenger Chael Sonnen.
Brian Stann (12-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) will serve as the UFC's welcoming committee for longtime Bellator champion and recent UFC signee Hector Lombard (31-2-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
Sources close to the event today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) the fighters are expected to meet in August in a network-televised UFC on FOX 4 main-card bout.
UFC president Dana White today tweeted the Stann vs. Lombard matchup but didn't reveal a date for it. MMAjunkie.com later confirmed the targeted event.
UFC on FOX 4 takes place Aug. 4 at Los Angeles' Staples Center. In addition to the FOX-televised main card, FUEL TV is expected to carry the prelims.
Lombard, Bellator's longtime middleweight champion, signed with the UFC just this past week. The Cuban-Australian standout enters the UFC on the strength of a 24-0-1 unbeaten streak that dates back to 2006. Lombard, who nearly signed with the UFC in 2007 before visa issues got in the way, most recently knocked out Trevor Prangley at Bellator 58, which fulfilled the terms of his Bellator deal. He concluded his run in the organization with an 8-0 record.
Stann recently picked up his fourth win in five fights with a first-round knockout via ground and pound of Alessio Sakara earlier this month at UFC on FUEL TV 2. Prior to the victory, the former WEC light-heavyweight champion snapped a three-fight win streak (over Mike Massenzio, Chris Leben and Jorge Santiago) and potentially cost himself a title shot with a second-round submission loss to upcoming title challenger Chael Sonnen.
Thiago Silva vs. Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua likely at UFC 149 in Calgary
Some hard-hitting Brazilians will ply their trade on Canadian soil.
Sources close to the event today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that light heavyweights Thiago Silva (14-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (20-6 MMA, 4-4 UFC) have agreed to meet at UFC 149 in Calgary, Alberta.
UFC president Dana White today tweeted the Silva vs. Rua matchup but didn't reveal a date for it. MMAjunkie.com later confirmed the targeted event.
UFC 149 takes place July 21 at Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome. The main card airs on pay-per-view, and FX and Facebook are expected to carry the prelims. Silva vs. Rua likely will be part of the PPV lineup, which – as MMAjunkie.com first reported – will feature a featherweight title fight between champion Jose Aldo (21-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and challenger Erik Koch (13-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC).
Silva recently returned from a 15-month layoff (due to a drug suspension) and suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Alexander Gustafsson in this month's UFC on FUEL TV 2 headliner. Since opening his UFC career with a 4-0 mark, the Brazilian is just 1-3, which included a UFC 125 victory over Brandon Vera that was overturned to a no-contest.
Rua recently saw his UFC record fall to .500 with a hard-fought, "Fight of the Year" decision loss to Dan Henderson back in November at UFC 139. The 2006 PRIDE grand-prix champion won the UFC light-heavyweight title from Lyoto Machida in 2010 but lost it to reigning champion Jon Jones in early 2011.
Combined, Silva and Rua have posted 28 knockouts in 34 career wins.
Some hard-hitting Brazilians will ply their trade on Canadian soil.
Sources close to the event today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that light heavyweights Thiago Silva (14-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (20-6 MMA, 4-4 UFC) have agreed to meet at UFC 149 in Calgary, Alberta.
UFC president Dana White today tweeted the Silva vs. Rua matchup but didn't reveal a date for it. MMAjunkie.com later confirmed the targeted event.
UFC 149 takes place July 21 at Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome. The main card airs on pay-per-view, and FX and Facebook are expected to carry the prelims. Silva vs. Rua likely will be part of the PPV lineup, which – as MMAjunkie.com first reported – will feature a featherweight title fight between champion Jose Aldo (21-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and challenger Erik Koch (13-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC).
Silva recently returned from a 15-month layoff (due to a drug suspension) and suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Alexander Gustafsson in this month's UFC on FUEL TV 2 headliner. Since opening his UFC career with a 4-0 mark, the Brazilian is just 1-3, which included a UFC 125 victory over Brandon Vera that was overturned to a no-contest.
Rua recently saw his UFC record fall to .500 with a hard-fought, "Fight of the Year" decision loss to Dan Henderson back in November at UFC 139. The 2006 PRIDE grand-prix champion won the UFC light-heavyweight title from Lyoto Machida in 2010 but lost it to reigning champion Jon Jones in early 2011.
Combined, Silva and Rua have posted 28 knockouts in 34 career wins.
Michael Bisping vs. Tim Boetsch moves from UFC 148 to UFC 149 in Calgary
The ripple that began with Silva vs. Sonnen II's displacement has spread to UFC 148.
Sources close to the event today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that a middleweight bout between Michael Bisping (22-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) and Tim Boetsch (15-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) has been shuffled from UFC 148 to UFC 149.
While the shift has yet to be made official, the bout is expected to serve on the main card of the July 21 pay-per-view event, which takes place at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The shuffle was put in motion when logistical concerns forced UFC officials to move a title rematch between champ Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen from UFC 147, which is scheduled for June 23 in Rio de Janeiro, to UFC 148, which is scheduled for July 7 in Las Vegas.
With another title rematch – Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber II – and a pair of marquee matchups such as Rich Franklin vs. Cung Le and Forrest Griffin vs. Tito Ortiz III already populating the card, UFC 148 is already an expensive undertaking.
UFC 149, on the other hand, is still a developing property. It recently added a featherweight title match between champ Jose Aldo and Erik Koch and, as MMAjunkie.com first reported, an intriguing light-heavyweight bout between former champ Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Thiago Silva.
Bisping vs. Boetsch, which could bear future title implications, only ups the importance of UFC 149.
In his most recent performance, Boetsch delivered a spectacular come-from-behind victory over Yushin Okami at UFC 144. Down two rounds after contending with the onetime title challenger's crisp standup work, he charged back early in the third round and landed a barrage of punches that forced a stoppage.
It was Boetsch's third consecutive win since dropping from light heavyweight to middleweight this past year. Prior to Okami, he outpointed Kendall Grove and Nick Ring.
Bisping is on the mend after seeing a shot at the middleweight title evaporate with a decision loss to Chael Sonnen at UFC on FOX 2. The always-controversial but steadily improving Brit had won four consecutive bouts prior to the setback while beating such standouts as Dan Miller, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Jorge Rivera and Jason Miller.
The latest UFC 149 card now includes:
•Champ Jose Aldo vs. Erik Koch (for featherweight title)*•Michael Bisping vs. Tim Boetsch*•Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs. Thiago Silva*•Cheick Kongo vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
•Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Thiago Alves
•Antonio Carvalho vs. George Roop
•Bryan Caraway vs. Mitch Gagnon
•Mitch Clarke vs. Anton Kuivanen
•Court McGee vs. Nick Ring*
The ripple that began with Silva vs. Sonnen II's displacement has spread to UFC 148.
Sources close to the event today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that a middleweight bout between Michael Bisping (22-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) and Tim Boetsch (15-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) has been shuffled from UFC 148 to UFC 149.
While the shift has yet to be made official, the bout is expected to serve on the main card of the July 21 pay-per-view event, which takes place at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The shuffle was put in motion when logistical concerns forced UFC officials to move a title rematch between champ Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen from UFC 147, which is scheduled for June 23 in Rio de Janeiro, to UFC 148, which is scheduled for July 7 in Las Vegas.
With another title rematch – Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber II – and a pair of marquee matchups such as Rich Franklin vs. Cung Le and Forrest Griffin vs. Tito Ortiz III already populating the card, UFC 148 is already an expensive undertaking.
UFC 149, on the other hand, is still a developing property. It recently added a featherweight title match between champ Jose Aldo and Erik Koch and, as MMAjunkie.com first reported, an intriguing light-heavyweight bout between former champ Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Thiago Silva.
Bisping vs. Boetsch, which could bear future title implications, only ups the importance of UFC 149.
In his most recent performance, Boetsch delivered a spectacular come-from-behind victory over Yushin Okami at UFC 144. Down two rounds after contending with the onetime title challenger's crisp standup work, he charged back early in the third round and landed a barrage of punches that forced a stoppage.
It was Boetsch's third consecutive win since dropping from light heavyweight to middleweight this past year. Prior to Okami, he outpointed Kendall Grove and Nick Ring.
Bisping is on the mend after seeing a shot at the middleweight title evaporate with a decision loss to Chael Sonnen at UFC on FOX 2. The always-controversial but steadily improving Brit had won four consecutive bouts prior to the setback while beating such standouts as Dan Miller, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Jorge Rivera and Jason Miller.
The latest UFC 149 card now includes:
•Champ Jose Aldo vs. Erik Koch (for featherweight title)*•Michael Bisping vs. Tim Boetsch*•Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs. Thiago Silva*•Cheick Kongo vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
•Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Thiago Alves
•Antonio Carvalho vs. George Roop
•Bryan Caraway vs. Mitch Gagnon
•Mitch Clarke vs. Anton Kuivanen
•Court McGee vs. Nick Ring*
Ryan Bader vs. Lyoto Machida added to UFC on FOX 4 in Los Angeles
^^^EHH, GOTTA BETTER ONE FOR YOU BREH
Two notable light heavyweights will clash in a summer showdown.
Former UFC champion Lyoto Machida (17-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) and onetime-surging contender Ryan Bader (14-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) have agreed to meet on the network-televised UFC on FOX 4 fight card.
UFC officials today passed along news of the fight from the Brazilian outlet esporte.ig.com.br.
UFC on FOX 4 takes place Aug. 4 at Los Angeles' Staples Center. In addition to the FOX-televised main card, FUEL TV is expected to carry the prelims. Machida vs. Bader is expected to be part of the main card.
As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) first reported on Sunday, UFC on FOX 4 also will feature middleweights Brian Stann (12-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) vs. Hector Lombard (31-2-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
Since opening his career with a 16-0 mark and winning the UFC light-heavyweight title, Machida has dropped three of his past four fights. The Japanese-Brazilian karate specialist most recently fought in December, when he failed in an effort to reclaim his title. At UFC 140, new champ Jon Jones score a technical-submission victory over Machida, which followed "Dragon's" earlier defeats to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
Bader, who won "The Ultimate Fighter 8," surged into title contention after winning his first five UFC fights. He then suffered back-to-back losses to Jones and Tito Ortiz (in a major upset) to derail his title hopes. Recently, though, the NCAA Division I wrestling standout has gotten back on track with a knockout win over Jason Brilz at UFC 139 and a unanimous-decision victory over Jackson at UFC 144. A win over Machida could get him right back in the thick of the title hunt.
^^^EHH, GOTTA BETTER ONE FOR YOU BREH
Two notable light heavyweights will clash in a summer showdown.
Former UFC champion Lyoto Machida (17-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) and onetime-surging contender Ryan Bader (14-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) have agreed to meet on the network-televised UFC on FOX 4 fight card.
UFC officials today passed along news of the fight from the Brazilian outlet esporte.ig.com.br.
UFC on FOX 4 takes place Aug. 4 at Los Angeles' Staples Center. In addition to the FOX-televised main card, FUEL TV is expected to carry the prelims. Machida vs. Bader is expected to be part of the main card.
As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) first reported on Sunday, UFC on FOX 4 also will feature middleweights Brian Stann (12-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) vs. Hector Lombard (31-2-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
Since opening his career with a 16-0 mark and winning the UFC light-heavyweight title, Machida has dropped three of his past four fights. The Japanese-Brazilian karate specialist most recently fought in December, when he failed in an effort to reclaim his title. At UFC 140, new champ Jon Jones score a technical-submission victory over Machida, which followed "Dragon's" earlier defeats to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
Bader, who won "The Ultimate Fighter 8," surged into title contention after winning his first five UFC fights. He then suffered back-to-back losses to Jones and Tito Ortiz (in a major upset) to derail his title hopes. Recently, though, the NCAA Division I wrestling standout has gotten back on track with a knockout win over Jason Brilz at UFC 139 and a unanimous-decision victory over Jackson at UFC 144. A win over Machida could get him right back in the thick of the title hunt.