MMA Rumors 10.04.11
Why are rumors important, you ask? Rumors make-a the world go ‘round. Do you remember how you felt when you first heard professional wrestling was fake, or that Pat from Saturday Night Live was in fact a woman? Game changers, weren’t they? Anyway, that’s why we’re bringing you some fresh MMA-hearsay. These rumors may or may not prove true, but at the very least they’ll change your outlook on the world. Or just entertain you.
Bones Jones Brings in Jordan Burroughs
“Styles make fights,” as they say. It’ll be interesting to see what Rashad Evans and Jon Jones bring to the table when they meet for the light heavyweight title. But one thing is for certain: wrestling will be the key. Rumor has it that with a highly decorated wrestler in his corner, Jones may have the edge in this department come fight night.
Sources close to Jones’ camp have said that newly-crowned freestyle world champion, Jordan Burroughs, has agreed to help prepare “Bones” for the Rashad Evans fight.
Both Evans and Jones were outstanding wrestlers in their time, each garnering junior college national championships. They’re no pushovers. But Burroughs is on another level. In addition to his world championship, he was also a 2x Division I national champion for Nebraska.
Burroughs, who is best known for his quick and powerful leg attacks, has considered a future in MMA, but for now is focused on becoming one of the best American wrestlers of all time.
“I’ve thought about it,” Burroughs told USA Wrestling. “There is obviously a lot of money in it and it’s very lucrative, but I’m not really a fighter. We will see what happens.”
If you didn’t know, now you know:
Melendez-Masvidal Off
Arguably the most exciting news of the week is that many top Strikeforce talents will transition over to the UFC. Among those rumored to make the move is Gilbert Melendez, who many believe is the best fighter in the world at 155 pounds.
Dana White has stated that he wants to bring Melendez over as soon as possible, even if that means yanking him from his scheduled bout with Jorge Masvidal. The two were rumored to fight at Strikeforce 37 on December 17th.
Masvidal says he signed a contract for the fight just two weeks ago, and insists that the show must go on. The two still may meet on this card depending on the timing and how the Edgar-Maynard fight plays out, but one can bet that White will make use of Melendez at his first opportunity. Don’t be surprised if this fight doesn’t happen.
In other rumors, Gina Carano is said to make her return on the SF 37 card.
Here DFW talks about Melendez and more:
Ellenberger-Sanchez at UFC 141?
After a first round TKO over former #1 contender Jake Shields, it seems Jake Ellenberger is the man to beat at 170 pounds. And although it’s clear that Ellenberger is within arm’s length at a shot at the welterweight strap, the question now is which top-tier welterweight will he be matched up with next?
Rumors from an unconfirmed source have stated that a fight between Ellenberger and Diego Sanchez is in the works for UFC 141 in December. It’s been said that both have been presented the fight, however, Ellenberger denies this rumor.
“I actually haven’t been offered any fight yet, so as far as right now that’s not true,” Ellenberger told Full Contact Fighter. “It’s definitely possible, but that fight hasn’t been brought to me yet.”
“The Dream” is coming off of two consecutive wins against Martin Kampmann and Paulo Thiago. He was originally slated to meet veteran Matt Hughes at UFC 135 last month, but pulled out a few weeks shy of the fight due to a broken hand. It’s likely that this fight will materialize because Sanchez needs an opponent sooner rather than later. The only thing holding him back, however, could be Josh Koscheck.
Koscheck, whose only loss in his last 5 fights has come at the hands of current champion Georges St. Pierre, is likely being considered to face Ellenberger as well. Kos holds wins over Anthony Johnson, Matt Hughes, and Diego Sanchez himself. If the Ellenberger-Sanchez fight doesn’t pan out, look for Kos to be in the mix.
Machida-Davis in 2012
A couple of months ago a rumor surfaced that Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida was set to face Phil Davis. Machida’s management even spoke of the bout being in the works, but nothing ever really came of it.
Last week at the UFC the press conference for UFC 139 in San Jose, Dana White rehashed this rumor when he announced that the bout would be scheduled for UFC 140 in Toronto. DFW later corrected himself on Twitter when he got word that “Mr. Wonderful” was still rehabbing his knee.
Although a fight at UFC 140 may not happen, many are speculating that this fight is still on the slate for a later event, possibly next year. A tweet by “The Dragon” just a few days ago may allude to this:
“Pessoal acho que octogono so ano que vem.”
My white belt-level Portuguese (and Google translate) leads me to believe that Machida is stating he will be back in the octagon sometime next year, and many are speculating that his return will be against Davis. The UFC announced that the promotion will be holding simultaneous cards in Japan and Las Vegas on February 26th, so you can expect to see this fight on one of those cards.
See you next week!
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