Bobby Lashley Vs Batista Near Signed & More MMA News
By Kevin Nelson
This week we look at the MMA organizations, “the big three,” as I like to call them: Strikeforce, Bellator and the UFC.
We look at all the news, rumors and reports as well as upcoming events and newly signed fighters in the three organizations. This week was a very busy one as all three were very active.
Bellator
Despite some rumors regarding former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ricco Rodriguez has not signed with Bellator.
The plan was to have him enter the light heavyweight tournament but negotiations have been slow with Rodriguez representatives, but a deal is expected to be announced shortly.
Rodriguez who was featured on celebrity rehab with Doctor Drew is on a 10 fight winning streak. Bellator has also announced the signing of Sengoku featherweight Ronnie Mann and is expected to compete in the featherweight tournament.
D.J. Linderman has also signed with Bellator and is expected to fight in the light heavyweight tournament. It should be interesting to note that Linderman is a natural heavyweight and will have to shed close to 60 pounds to make the 205 limit.
Contestants in the inaugural light heavyweight tournament are Daniel Gracie, D.J. Linderman, Chris Davis, Tim Carpenter, Nik Fekete, Raphael Davis. Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren will face Nick Thompson at Bellator 40 in April.
Also on the card is Eddie Alvarez Bellator, lightweight champion, going up against welterweight tournament winner, Pat Curran. Bellator has also signed former UFC fighter Ben Saunders who is expected to compete at welterweight.
Strikeforce
With the loss to Antonio Silva, Fedor Emelianenko management is making news for their excuses for the loss, pointing to unfair psychological technology being used on Fedor to steroid allegations on Antonio Silva.
This all represents the lack of class and what we have all suspected all along that M1 Global is leeching off of Fedor and are in a desperate situation now that their money train has lost.
Also Strikeforce does not need M1 now that they are starting to develop their own talent. Bobby Lashley is reportedly going to fight for TFC on March 25 against James Jack. Lashley has not competed since his loss in August to Chad Griggs. The former WWE wrestler has been rumored in a possible Strikeforce bout with former WWE Champion Dave Batista for along time but Batista is apparently busy shooting a movie.
Gina Carano is expected to return sometime this summer in Strikeforce against the ever popular TBA.
UFC
With the announced signing of Dave “Pee Wee” Herman the UFC heavyweight division looks to be a little bit deeper with that signing. Herman has outstanding wrestling to go along with a good stand up game…can’t wait for his debut.
UFC 129 Is being reported by MMA junkie that 55,000 tickets have been sold with 11million dollar gate expected. Bouts confirmed Nate Diaz vs. Rory Macdonald, GSP vs. Jake Shields, Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick and Lyoto Machida vs. Randy Couture.
In the event GSP defeat Jake Shields then he will move up to middleweight and face Anderson Silva.
As reported in an interview with Mauro Ranalllo on the MMA Show, Dana White said if GSP were to move up, he would have to vacate the title. The two number one contenders for the title are John Fitch and BJ Penn who are set to face each other at UFC 127 in Australia.
Jorge Rivera is expected to face Michael Bisping at UFC 127. UFC 130 will feature Matt Hamil facing Quinton Rampage Jackson. Danna White announced that their will be an Ultimate Fighter in the Philippines. These are just some of the stories this week.
Random Headlines
-David Loiseau victorious
-Ryan Couture wins second professional fight
-Ex UFC fighter Dan Lauzon stabbed
-Pat Healy upsets Lyle Beerbohm
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