After suffering a controversial Split Decision loss to Sean Sherk at UFC 119, Evan Dunham will have an even tougher test in his next fight. As reported this evening on MMA Live on ESPN2, Dunham and former title challenger Kenny “KenFlo” Florian have verbally agreed to square off in early 2011.
The fight is reportedly targeted for February 5th at the tentatively titled UFC 127, which is rumoured to be taking place in Las Vegas. Both Dunham and Florian will be looking to rebound from losses in their most recent fights as each one aims to get back into the UFC’s lightweight title picture.
A mixed martial arts event scheduled for this Saturday in Macau has been cancelled amidst allegations that the promoter has embezzled nearly $13 million in Hong Kong currency. Damien Roche, the promoter and former Director of the Kontact MMA Training Center in Hong Kong, is in hiding.
At just 16 years of age, Mizuki Inoue will be the youngest participant in Sunday’s Rough Stone Grand Prix at Jewels: “Tenth Ring.” The kickboxer from Aichi, Japan enters the 56kg bracket of the tournament in her mixed martial arts debut against Abe Ani Combat Club prospect Emi Murata.
A light heavyweight bout between former champions Rich “Ace” Franklin and Forrest Griffin is in the works for a February 5th event tentatively titled UFC 127. MMAFighting.com first reported on the planned fight earlier today and bout agreements could be signed and made official soon.
Following a week of rumours, DEEP has officially confirmed that Japanese star Ikuhisa “Minowaman” Minowa will compete at DEEP: 50th Impact on October 24th. As usual, Minowa will face a much larger opponent when he takes on 300-pound South Korean super heavyweight Chang Hee Kim.
In addition to signing many of the top fighters from all over the world, the all-female GirlFight Global promotion plans to be the first MMA promotion to air all of its events in 3D. This unique plan would apply to all GFG shows, beginning with the debut event now targeted for early in 2011.
September was a busy month for mixed martial arts in both the men’s and women’s divisions. WEC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo Junior remains atop the 145-pound division, while Megumi “Mega Megu” Fujii moved her record to an incredible 22-0 with a second victory over Lisa Ward.