After nearly three years away, 135-pound standout Amanda Buckner will make her long-awaited return to mixed martial arts action against rising Brazilian star Amanda “Lioness of the Ring” Nunes for the Global Fight League in February 2011. The fight will be contested at 135 pounds.
Buckner was originally scheduled to compete this past January in the first round of the Freestyle Cage Fighting Women’s Bantamweight Grand Prix, but a serious knee injury forced her back to the sidelines. After successful surgery and recovery, Buckner will now face Nunes in February.
Former UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Shane Carwin has been forced to withdraw from his planned UFC 125 bout with Roy “Big Country” Nelson after suffering a back injury that may require surgery. Carwin announced the injury and his withdrawal on his official website earlier today.
As the women’s division of mixed martial arts continues to grow in size and popularity throughout the world, SKILL MMA writer Shiroobi has compiled an in-depth look at the history of the women’s division and many of the top female fighters who have helped to develop the sport into what it is today.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship made its way to the Honda Center in Anaheim, California tonight for UFC 121: “Lesnar vs Velasquez.” The event was headlined by a UFC Heavyweight Championship bout between Brock Lesnar and unbeaten challenger Cain Velasquez.
A pair of quality 125-pound women’s bouts are planned for Cage Warriors Fighting Championship 39 on November 27th. Rosi “The Surgeon” Sexton will face “Slick” Sally Krumdiack, while Ireland’s own Aisling “Ais The Bash” Daly takes on battle-tested veteran Molly “The Maulinator” Helsel.
Strikeforce returned to the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California tonight for Strikeforce Challengers 11. The main event featured a welterweight rematch between “Relentless” Roger Bowling and “Vicious” Bobby Voelker. The two first squared off in May in a bout that ended early due to an eye poke.
Former two-division King of Pancrase Kiuma Kunioku has stepped in on a week’s notice to face knockout artist Maximo “Maxi” Blanco at Sengoku Raiden Championship 15 on October 30th in Tokyo, Japan. Kunioku will replace Leonardo Santos, who withdrew from the fight earlier this week.
Reigning Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez picked up another victory tonight when he stopped former UFC contender Roger “El Matador” Huerta in a non-title bout at Bellator 33. The entertaining fight was stopped on the advice of the cageside doctor following the second round.