Jake Shields vs Tyron Woodley Target for UFC 161 in Canada

A Welterweight match up between one time UFC title challenger, Jake Shields 27-6-1 MMA, 2-2 UFC), and Tyron Woodley (11-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) is in the works for the summer.

The fight is being targeted for a yet-unnamed event, likely UFC 161, on June 15 in Canada. A host city is not yet finalised.

Woodley who started his career a perfect 10-0 before losing to Nate Marquardt in a bout for the vacant Strikeforce Welterweight title following Nick Diaz's departure to The UFC, holds notable wins over Paul Daley and Jordan Mein, and impressed in his UFC debut where he knocked out former Bellator tournament winner, and IFL Champion Jay Hieron after just 36 second of the first round.

Shields (pictured), a former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion, makes his return to Welterweight after a decision over 185-pound vet Ed Herman at UFC 150 in Denver. However the victory was later overturned when the Gracie fight team member tested positive for a banned substance.

For more on the UFC 161 fightcard, go to the Calendar section on our site.

UFC Release Official Statement on Matt Riddles Dismissal

Zuffa, LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship®, released the following statement today regarding UFC welterweight Matt Riddle:

Matthew Riddle tested positive for marijuana metabolites following his bout at UFC on FUEL TV 7 in London, England on February 16, 2013. This is Riddle’s second failed drug test for marijuana within the past seven months. Riddle previously failed a post-fight drug test due to marijuana following his UFC 149 victory over Chris Clements.

As such, the UFC organization is exercising its right to terminate Riddle for breach of his obligations under his Promotional Agreement as well as the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. The UFC organization has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents. The outcome of the bout against Che Mills was changed to a no contest and the results of the positive test will be reported to the official Association of Boxing Commissions MMA record-keeper.

TUF 7 cast member Matt Riddle leaves the UFC with an 7-3 record with 2 no contests, with notable wins coming against The UKs John Maguire, and DaMarques Johnson.

Ramon Dekkers Passes Away at 43 - Pro's Reactions

A black cloud hits the fighting world today with news surfacing that Kickboxing legend Ramon Dekkers has passed away at age 43. Kickboxing website Liver Kick reports:

 Reports are coming out of his home town of Breda today that Dekkers was riding his bike when he collapsed in a tunnel after feeling light-headed. A few bystanders attempted to assist him before emergency services arrived and attempted to revive him to no avail.

Dekkers is a former 8-time world champion and one of the first Dutch Kickboxers to really make an impact in Thailand. He was instrumental in helping the sport of Kickboxing to evolve to what it is today and will always be remembered for his accomplishments in and out of the ring.

In an event that will no doubt cause Kickboxing and MMA fighters and journalists alike morn many have taken to twitter to pay there respects:

I read Ramon Dekkers, legend of Muay Thai has passed away. He was a real crusher in the ring. To the halls of battle. bit.ly/YFqqXq
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) February 27, 2013

Sad Day. All-time Legend of the ring Ramon Dekkers passed away. All my Condolences to his family. #ShineLikeaDiamond #2Young2Die
— King Mo (@KingMoFH) February 27, 2013

Tuff Times Kru Yodtong & Ramon Dekkers RIP They're 2 of why I started & training #MuayThai when my family was at the Top of FC Kickboxing!
— Duke Roufus (@dukeroufus) February 27, 2013

Rest in peace Ramon Dekkers. Very sad day for the combat sports world. One of my biggest inspirations. twitter.com/danhardymma/st…
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) February 27, 2013

Just heard the news about Ramon Dekkers. Tragic. Will go down as one of the greats. What an absolute warrior he was
— Tom Kong Watson (@TomKongWatson) February 27, 2013

So very sad to hear of the passing of an all-time legend of the ring.RIP Ramon Dekkers, always a warrior, you will never be forgotten.
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) February 27, 2013

Very sad to hear Ramon Dekkers has passed away suddenly. What a pleasure it was to watch him battle in Muay Thai. R.I.P. champ.
— Pat Miletich (@patmiletich) February 27, 2013

Just heared that the legendary Ramon Dekkers has died.My condolences go out to his family.
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) February 27, 2013

Ramon Dekkers taught the martial arts world so much about heart, courage. Today was the final lesson: life is short, so chase your dreams.
— john o'regan (@johnjoeoregan) February 27, 2013

Sad to hear about the passing of Ramon Dekkers today. Our hearts and condolences go out to his family and friends. bloodyelbow.com/2013/2/27/4036…
— AKA HQ (@AKA_HQ) February 27, 2013

Today Ramon Dekkers a legend in Muay Thai kickboxing passed away My condolances go out to his family.
— Semmy Schilt (@semmyschilt) February 27, 2013

Today a legend in the sport passed away! My condolances go out to his family! Thanks for al the great memory's motivation! RIP Ramon Dekkers
— TyroneSpong (@Tyrone_spong) February 27, 2013

RIP Ramon Dekkers. A true legend in the fight sports. Condolences to his family and his dear friends. You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
— Shannon Knapp (@shanknapp) February 27, 2013

“@michaelgelinas: @joerogan Muay Thai champion Ramon Dekkers passes away at age 43 sbn.to/Va6EUb” RIP to an all time great.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) February 27, 2013

RIP RAMON DEKKERS! 

UFC Vet Jacob Volkamnn Signs for World Series of Fighting

Recently cut UFC lightweight vet Jacob Volkmann (15-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) is a free agent no longer having signed a multi-fight deal with powerful upstart World Series of Fighting just one week after being cut from the UFC after going 1-2 in his last 3 fights, with both losses coming by way of submission to UK starlet Paul Sass, and recently signed Bobby Green respectively.

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, however it is believe Volkmann will make his World Series of fighting debut at WSOF 3 in April.

Volkmann, a three-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at the University of Minnesota, made his pro debut in 2007 going on to sign with the UFC 2 years later after an impressive 9-0 start to his career.

After back-to-back losses to welterweights Paulo Thiago and Martin Kampmann in his first two outings for the UFC, Volkmann made the successful drop to the UFCs lightweight division where he went on a 5 fight winning streak including wins over Paul Kelly, Efrain Escudero, & Danny Castillo, all by decision which drew criticism from from the fans due the Volkamnn's wrestling-oriented style and smothering top game drew.

For more information of World Series of Fightings upcoming cards, stay tuned to the Calendar section of our site.

UFC 159: Jones vs Sonnen (Fight Card)

UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen
Date: April 28, 2013 00:00 GMT
Prudential Center,Newark, New Jersey

UFC 159 sees the return of the greatest British Mixed Martial Artist of all time in Michael Bisping who takes on Alan Belcher in a card which is headline by TUF 17 Coaches Chael Sonnen who will challenge opposite Jon Jones for his Lightheavyweight title belt. French Heavyweight Cheick congo is also on the card taking on Ultimate Fighter Winner Roy 'Big Country' Nelson.

Fightcard
Jon Jones vs. Chael Sonnen - Lightheavyweight Title Bout
Alan Belcher vs. Michael Bisping
Phil Davis vs. Vinny Magalhaes
Pat Healy vs. Jim Miller
Cheick Kongo vs. Roy Nelson
Johnny Bedford vs Erik Perez
Sheila Gaff vs Sara McMann
Leonard Garcia vs Cody McKenzie
Nick Catone vs. James Head
Kurt Holobaugh vs. Steven Siler
Ovince St. Preux vs Gian Villante
Al Iaquinta vs. Joe Proctor
Rustam Khabilov vs. Yancy Medeiros

Cage Warriors 54 (Fightcard)

Cage Warriors 54
Date: May 4, 2013 19:00 GMT
Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales

Fightcard
Ivan Buchinger vs Tim Newman
Jesse Taylor vs. John Phillips - For the Cage Warriors Middleweight Title

UFC 160: Velasquez vs Silva 2 (Fight Card)

UFC160:Velasquez vs Silva 2
Date: May 26, 2013 00:00 GMT
MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

The UFC kicks off Memorial Day Weekend with a bang featuring a Heavyweight title fight between Cain Velazquez and Antonio Silva.

Cain Velasquez vs. Antonio Silva - For The UFC Heavyweight Title
Junior dos Santos vs. Mark Hunt
James Te Huna vs. Glover Teixeira
T.J. Grant vs. Gray Maynard
Donald Cerrone vs. KJ Noons
Gunnar Nelson vs. Mike Pyle
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Abel Trujillo
Amir Sadollah vs. Stephen Thompson
Colton Smith vs. Robert Whittaker
Estevan Payan vs. Jeremy Stephens

UFC on FX 8 (Fightcard)

UFC on FX 8
Date: May 18, 2013 23:00 GMT
Arena Jaragua Jaragua do Sul, Santa Catarina, Brazil


UFC on FX 8 sees The UFC return to Brazil for the 2nd time in 2013 featuring a main event bout between Vitor Belfort and the last Strikeforce Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold. Ronaldo Souza is also expected to make his debut on the card against Constantinos Philippou who is on a 5 fight win streak.

Main Card
Vitor Belfort vs. Luke Rockhold
Constantinos Philippou vs. Ronaldo Souza
CB Dollaway vs. Cezar Ferreira
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Evan Dunham

Preliminary Card
Hacran Dias vs. Manny Gamburyan
Mike Rio vs. Francisco Trinaldo
Yuri Alcantara vs. Marcos Vinicius
Lance Benoist vs. Paulo Thiago
Azamat Gashimov vs. John Lineker
Roger Hollett vs. Fabio Maldonado
Facebook Prelims
John Cholish vs. Gleison Tibau
Chris Cariaso vs. Jussier Formiga
Jeremy Larsen vs. Lucas Martins

One FC 8: Kings vs Champions (Fightcard)

One FC 8: Kings and Champions
Date: April 05, 2013 12:00 PM GMT
Singapore Indoor Stadium, Kallang, Singapore
Streaming: Youtube Prelims, Online PPV main event - $9.99

Asian promotion One FC returns on the 5th of April with a stellar card featuring a Lightweight title bout between Kotetsu Boku and Shinya Aoki, and a Bantamweight semifinal tournament round featuring Jens Pulver taking on Masakatsu Uedu, and Kevin Belingon vs Thanh Vu.

Main Card
Kotetsu Boku vs. Shinya Aoki - for lightweight title
Brock Larson vs. Melvin Manhoef
Arnaud Lepont vs. Eddie Ng
Jens Pulver vs. Masakatsu Ueda - bantamweight tournament semifinal
Kevin Belingon vs. Thanh Vu - bantamweight tournament semifinal
Arnaud Lepont vs. Eddie Ng

Preliminary Card  
Leandro Issa vs. Yusup Saadulaev
Rene Catalan vs. Alex Silva
Bashir Ahmad vs. Shannon Wiratchai
Jake Butler vs. Nuur Muhammad
Ronald Low vs. Chen Yun Ting

World Series of Fighting 2 (Fightcard)

World Series of Fighting 2
Date: March 23, 2013 23.30 GMT
Revel Resort & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

World Series of Fighting is back and is armed with a permanent TV deal with NBC Sports network.Fights include Andrei Arlovski vs Anthony Johnson, Marlon Moraes vs Tyson Nam, and Josh Burkman vs Aaron Simpson amongst others

Main Card
Andrei Arlovski vs. Anthony Johnson
Marlon Moraes vs. Tyson Nam
Josh Burkman vs. Aaron Simpson
Dave Branch vs. Paulo Filho
Gesias Cavalcante vs. Justin Gaethje

Preliminary Card 
Danillo Villefort vs Kris McCray
Rick Glenn vs. Alexandre Pimentel
Cameron Dollar vs. Waylon Lowe
Igor Gracie vs. Richard Patishnock
Ozzy Dugulubgov vs. Chris Wade

Frank Buenafuente vs. Bill Algeo

RFA 7: Thatch vs Silva (Fightcard)

RFA 7: Thatch vs Silva 
Date:March 23, 2013 1.00 GMT
1stBank Center, Denver, Colorado, USA

 Resurrection Fighting Alliance returns for the 7th time on March 22nd, featuring a main event bout between Brazilian Leandro Sliva and Brandon Thatch. UFC fighter Anthony Njokuani's younger brother Chidi Njokuani also features on the main card taking on Jeremy Kimball, as does undefeated Segio Pettis - brother of UFC lightweight contender Anthony Pettis, who takes on Matt Manzanares.

Main Card
Mike Rhodes vs. Brandon Thatch
Jeremy Kimball vs. Chidi Njokuani
Matt Manzanares vs. Sergio Pettis
Mirsad Bektic vs. Nick Macias
Carl Postma vs. Leandro Veal

Amateur Card:
 Jose Keven Hernandez vs. Allen Washington
Shannon Culpepper vs. Gina Begley
Carlos Huerta vs. Jason Huntley
Jared Deaguero (3-0) vs. William Gravely
Toby Lopez vs. Josh Smith

UFC 158 (Fightcard)

UFC 158
March 17, 2013 12.05 GMT
Bell Center, Montreal, Canada

The UFC returns to Canada for the first time in 2013 featuring a bevy of the top Welterweights in the world. The main card sees Jake Ellenberger take on 1-time Strikeforce Welterweight champion Nate Marquardt, Carlos Condit taking on the dangerous Johnny Hendricks, and Nick Diaz making his return from a 1 year drug related suspension, taking number 2 p4p in the world George St. Pierre.
Also featuring on the main card, UK Favourite, The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes, runner up Colin 'Freakshow' Fletcher who takes on TUF 16 runner up, Canadian Mike Ricci.

Main Card
Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz - for welterweight title
Carlos Condit vs. Johny Hendricks
Jake Ellenberger vs. Nate Marquardt
Chris Camozzi vs. Nick Ring
Colin Fletcher vs. Mike Ricci
Preliminary Card
Patrick Cote vs. Bobby Voelker
Antonio Carvalho vs. Darren Elkins
Jordan Mein vs. Dan Miller Daron
Cruickshank vs. John Makdessi
Facebook Prelims
Quinn Mulhern vs. Rick Story
TJ Dillashaw vs. Issei Tamura
 Johnny Eduardo vs. Yves Jabouin
Reuben Duran vs. George Roop

Bellator 92: Aliev vs Marshall (Fightcard)

Bellator 92: Aliev vs Marshall
Date March 08, 2013 1.00 AM
Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, USA

Bellator continues it weekly run on the 8th of  March featuring the semifinal brackets of the middleweight, and featherweight tournament, featuring long time Bellator vet Marlon Sandro who looks to one better his 2011, season 6 Bellator runner up effort. 

Main card (Spike TV, 10 p.m. ET)

Sultan Aliev vs. Doug Marshall - middleweight tournament semifinals
Brett Cooper vs. Dan Cramer - middleweight tournament semifinals
Alexandre Bezerra vs. Mike Richman - featherweight tournament semifinals
Magomedrasul Khasbulaev vs. Marlon Sandro - featherweight tournament semifinals

Preliminary card (Spike.com, 8 p.m. ET)

Brandon Halsey vs. Rocky Ramirez
Aaron Miller vs. Shad Smith
Maurice Jackson vs. Manny Lara
Keith Berry vs. Willie Parks
Sabah Homasi vs. Ricky Legere Jr.
Cleber Luciano vs. Eric Uresk

K-1 Rising 2012 Grand Prix Final (fightcard)

K-1 Rising 2012 Grand Prix Final
Date:  March 15, 2013 14.00 GMT
Arena Zegreb, Zagreb, Croatia


For the first time in the promotions history, K-1 will hold its prestigious World Grand Prix tournament outside of Japan, and featuring MMA Legend Mirko Cro Cop, fighting in his home country of Croatia.

Fightcard
Toni Milanovic vs Jason Wilnis
Emil Zoraj vs Miran Fabjan
Mladen Brestovac vs Freddy Kemayo
Dzevad Poturak vs Alexey Ignashov
Benjamin Adegbuyi vs TBA - Reserve Fight
Quarter finals
Catalin Morosanu vs Pavel Zhuravlev
Mirko Cro Cop vs Jarrell Miller
Badr Hari vs Zabit Samedov
Ismael Londt vs Hesdy Gerges

Cage Warriors 52 (Fightcard)

Cage Warriors 52
Date: March 09, 2013 19.15 GMT
HMV Forum, Kentish Town, North London England

French star Gael Grimaud defends his CWFC welterweight title against Cathal Pendred in the main event at Cage Warriors 52 at the Kentish Town Forum in London for the organisation’s first show of 2013. Facebook Preliminary card begins at 19.15 GMT, with the main event kicking off at 21.00 GMT on MMAJunkie.com

Fightcard
Gael Grimaud VS Cathal Pendred 
Mohsen Bahari VS Bruno Carvalho 
Fouad Mesdari VS Graham Turner  Paul Marin VS Paul McVeigh  
Liam James VS Alan Philpott  
Chris Fishgold VS Steve O’Keeffe
Alex Enlund VS Martin McDonough

Paul Redmond VS Alexei Roberts

Merv Mulholland VS Brad Wheeler  

Dan Hope VS Gary Kono  

Anthony Ferguson VS Ben Hajir 

Richard Griffin VS Shah Hussain 

 Olly Battell VS Shaj Haque

 

 

OMMAC 16 (Fightcard)

OMMAC 16
Date: March 02, 2013 18.00 GMT
The Olympia, Liverpool, England 

 Liverpool based promotion return to action with the first fight of 2013 and there 16th overall, featuring Lightweight bout which will see Tim Newman take on Chris Hoban in the main event, and the return of Valentino Petrescu in his first fight since his stint in The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes.

Fightcard
Tim Newman v Chris Hoban - For the OMMAC Lightweight Title
Lee Chadwick v Valentino Petrescu
Mike Wooten v Jody Collins
Uche Ihiekwe v Graham Armstrong
Shay Walsh v John Cullen
Dan Rushworth v Scott Clist
Nathan Greyson v Bryan Creighton
Ellis Hampson v Paul West
Mick Kay v Andrew Glenn
Dave Graham v Tommy Cook
Greg Grimshaw v TBC
Billy Glossop vs TBC
Amateur
HW Tom Aspinall v Kristian Bircher

UFC on Fuel 8 (Fightcard)

UFC on Fuel 8
Date: March 3, 2013 12:30 AM GMT
Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan

The UFC returns to the home of Pride FC on the 3rd of March for the most stacked Fuel card yet. Facebook prelims begin at 12.30 AM with the main event beginning at 3.00 AM in the UK  

Premlinary Card
Riki Fukuda vs. Brad Tavares
Bryan Caraway vs. Takeya Mizugaki
Cristiano Marcello vs. Kazuki Tokudome
Alex Caceres vs. Kyung Ho Kang
Marcelo Guimaraes vs. Hyun Gyu Lim

Main Card

Wanderlei Silva vs. Brian Stann

Mark Hunt vs. Stefan Struve
Takanori Gomi vs. Diego Sanchez
Hector Lombard vs. Yushin Okami
Mizuto Hirota vs. Rani Yahya
Siyar Bahadurzada vs. Dong Hyun Kim

CFA 10: McSweeney vs. Staring (Fightcard)

CFA 10: McSweeney vs. Staring
Date: March 3nd, 2013 1.00 AM GMT
BankUnited Center, Coral Gables, Florida, USA

Championship Fighting Alliance returns from BankUnited Center in Coral Gables, Florida featuring a main even which sees UK Heavyweight and Ultimate Fighter contestant James McSweeney, take on Dutch Heavyweight Dion Staring, who was last seen in the cage against Heavyweight contender Daniel Cormier. Free facebook prelims begin on Facebook via UStream at 1.00AM on the 3rd of March, with a PPV main event card following directly after.

Fightcard
James McSweeney vs Dion Staring
Kelsey De Santis vs Allanna Jones
Fallon Fox vs Ericka Newsome
Peggy Morgan vs Revelina Berto
Ashell Evans-Smith vs Tori Adams
Oscar Delgado vs Byron Byrd
Jey Rodriguez vs Shah Bobonis
Lucas Jackson vs Jake Gombocz
Jacob Brunnell vs Guillermo Marin

Caledonian Combat 2 (Fightcard)

Caledonian Combat 2 - The Contenders 

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Scotland

Caledonian Combat present UK MMA from the highlands of Scotland, expect fightworks from a promotion of first outing featured the Current Bamma British Lightweight Champion - Stevie Ray

Preliminary Card
Calum Scott Vs Steven Brady
Gary Priestly Vs Stewart Duncan
Dave Philip Vs Mateusz Grabiek
Piotrek Zajac Vs Paul Duffy

Main Card
Chirs cownie Vs Nath Macdonald

Michal Szczepanek Vs Alex MacDonald
70kg Qualifying Tournament Bouts
James Scott Vs Lee Kinnell
Gordon Price Vs Matti Laurenson

Legacy Fighting Championship 18 (Fightcard)

Legacy Fighting Championship 18
Houston, Texas, USA

Legacy FC will return to Houston in 2013 for Legacy Fighting Championship 18 at the Arena Theatre on March 1, 2013. The night will be headlined by two title fights, as Derrick Lewis will defend his heavyweight title against Ricky Shivers, and Jorge “Macaco” Patino will defend his lightweight title against Legacy FC 16 winner Derrick Krantz.


Main Card (AXS TV)
Derrick Lewis 8-2  v. Ricky Shivers 10-5-1- For the LFC Heavyweight Title
Lightweight title – Jorge “Macaco” Patino 24-13 v. Derrick Krantz  14-6
125 – Rafael De Freitas 5-0 v. Antonio Banuelos  20-9
185 – Larry Crowe 5-2 v. Bubba Bush 5-2
170 – Charlie Ontiveros 3-0 v. Jeremy Morris  3-1
125 – Jennifer Scott 2-2 v. April Coutino  3-1
170 – Brandon Farran 7-6 v Alex Morono 4-1

Preliminary Card (Untelevised)
170 – Kaileb Cummins v. Justin Murray
145 – Eric Valdez  v.  TBD
205 – Chris Reed v. Jermaine Anugwom
Hvy – Chad Cook v.  Dale Mitchell
135 – Gerzan Chaw v. Victor Pozas

Extreme Fighting Championships Africa 18 (Fightcard)

Extreme Fighting Championships Africa 18
Carnival City Casino,Brakpan, South Africa

Africa's premier leading mixed martial arts company Extreme Fighting Championships Africa is back on 01.03.13 live from Carnival City Casino, in Brakpan, South Africa featuring a Heavyweight title fight between Ruan Potts & Andrew Van Zyl.

FIGHTCARD
Charlie Weyer vs. Don Wilken
Hector Britts vs. Frederich Naumann
Ian Visser vs. Chris Du Pont
Kelvin Mwale vs. Juan Lubbe
Wilhelm Strauss vs. Christopher Walravens
Gideon Drotschie vs. Brendon Groenewald
Ricky Misholis  vs. Sors Grobelaar
Dallas Jakobi vs. Alex Cheboub
Jason Culverwell vs. Danie Van Heerden
JP Kruger vs. Donavin Hawkey
Tyrone Rightford vs. David Buirski
Abdul Hassan vs. Gareth Buirski
EFC Africa Heavyweight Championship
Ruan Potts vs. Andrew Van Zyl

Video: Paul Daley Vs Patrick Vallee (Full Fight)

Cage Contenders 16 went down on Saturday from The Nation Indoor Basketball Arena in Dublin, Ireland, and featuring a main event bout between UK veteran, and current Bellator welterweight contender Paul 'Semtex' Daley (30-12-2) and Frenchman Patrick Vallee (9-4-1-2NC).

With both fighters coming off  massive wins, this fight is a must watch for those who've not seen it yet!

Hit us up on twitter if you have any comments on the fight!

Bellator NOT interested in sign Jon Fitch

 

Bellator MMA’s CEO Bjorn Rebney has told TheMMAReport.com that his organization will not be signing recently cut UFC welterweight contender Jon Fitch, this despite Dana White stating he expected the contrary. Speaking prior to Bellator 90, Rebney reiterated that although he respects Jon Fitch, he just doesn’t fit into their plans for their stacked welterweight division right now.

“I have a lot of respect for Jon [Fitch] and I have a lot of respect for anyone who has the courage to do what these guys do and the athletic ability to do what they do but we are not going to be signing Fitch. “We have a stacked welterweight division right now. We have a lot of guys that we are developing that we anticipate are going to be world class fighters and break the top ten. We want to keep guys busy. We want to keep guys inside the cage and we have a plan in terms of the next year and who is going to be apart of the tournaments and it’s just not the time.”

Rebney also went to discuss how Bellator’s signing of free agents is based purely on the individual in question, citing recent examples such and “King Mo” Lawal and Ben Saunders

“There is no hard and fast line in the sand with us. “King Mo” Lawal came out of Strikeforce. He is one of my favorite fighters fighting in our organization. He is wildly exciting and awesomely talented. Ben “Killa B” Saunders is another example and is fighting for us tonight. He came out and lost two straight in the UFC when we signed him. I just like watching him fight. I love the knees and I love the clinch game and I thought he was exciting, so we signed him. There will be others like that. There will be other guys that get released from the UFC and it’s not a hard and fast rule.”

UFC London (Fight Card)

UFC London
Date: Febuary 28, 2015
02 Arena, London, England

Fight Card