MMA Update
11-15-2009
UFC 105- Randy Couture continues to defy the odds at 46 years of age. The UFC Hall of Famer dropped down to 205lbs and defeated the young and athletic Vera via a unanimous decision. Couture’s conditioning, strength and mental toughness are incredible. Couture has his eyes set on a title shot in the stacked Light Heavyweight Division. In a match-up that will likely give the winner a title shot Dan Hardy upset Mike Swick via decision. Hardy was the aggressor landing more power punches throughout the fight. The victory should set up a Hardy vs. UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre. Michael Bisping bounced back from his loss to Dan Henderson in impressive fashion defeating Denis Kang via TKO due to strikes. Ohio resident Matt Brown was impressive once again pounding out James Wilks.
UFC Upcoming: The UFC is busy over the next month with three events on the docket. It starts with UFC 106 from Las Vegas on November 21st as the Huntington Beach Bad Boy makes his long awaited return to the UFC. Ortiz will face Forrest Griffin in a rematch from UFC 59. Josh Koscheck will face Anthony Johnson in what should be a very good fight in the Welterweight Division. The Ultimate Fighter Finale will take place on December 5th from Las Vegas. The Main Event is an outstanding match-up between Matt Hamill and the young phenom, 8-0 Jon “Bones” Jones. The event will feature the two finalists from this season of The Ultimate Fighter as they will battle for a six figure contract. Rumors abound that Kimbo Slice vs. Houston Alexander will also be on the card. The UFC invades Memphis Tennessee on December 12th with a main event that could be an all-time classic. BJ Penn, the greatest lightweight in the history of MMA, will battle Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez for the Lightweight Title. Penn has proven to be the best in the division for several years but will face his toughest 155lb opponent to date in the form of Sanchez. The card also features a fantastic heavyweight match-up as Frank Mir battles Cheick Kongo in a clash of opposing styles.
Brock Lesnar: There was a shroud of mystery over Lesnar’s illness which caused the UFC Heavyweight Champion to back out of not one but two scheduled title defenses against Shane Carwin. The initial reports were that Brock had mononucleosis which seemed unlikely as he has missed significant time. UFC President Dana White spoke briefly on the situation confirming Lesnar will be out indefinitely. White stated Lesnar’s leave may be long enough that an interim title bout may be scheduled. White did not give specifics on Lesnar’s illness only revealing that Lesnar is in a hospital in North Dakota and is in really bad shape.
Fedor: MMA’s greatest fighter destroyed Brett Rogers on November 7th in front of a national audience on CBS. In doing so Fedor injured his thumb and will likely be out of action for at least four months. This shouldn’t impact Strikeforce as it was unlikely Fedor would compete for the organization until Spring of 2010.
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Scott Dryden
Editor-in-Chief, www.profighting-fans.com