- New welterweight champion St. Pierre was offered a title defense with Jon Fitch, but felt his hands were damaged in his win over Matt Serra in Montreal and he couldn't be ready in such a short period of time. Franklin, who also fought in Montreal, was offered a match with Dan Henderson, but felt after such a hard training camp that he wouldn't be able to peak again so soon. Both fights are expected to take place later this year.
-Silva recently underwent an undisclosed operation and hasn't given UFC a timetable on when he'll be available to fight. There is an issue regarding a potential fight with Roy Jones Jr., since UFC refused to allow the match and didn't like him talking abut it. But Silva has continued to talk about Jones as an opponent, largely to the exclusion of everyone else.
-Liddell, meanwhile, hopes to be back for a show in September. His likely opponents would either be Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, who he was originally scheduled to face in London before Rua had surgery for a torn ACL, or more likely whoever wins the May 24 match between Wanderlei Silva and Keith Jardine.
"-Liddell, meanwhile, hopes to be back for a show in September. His likely opponents would either be Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, who he was originally scheduled to face in London before Rua had surgery for a torn ACL, or more likely whoever wins the May 24 match between Wanderlei Silva and Keith Jardine."
Why the fuck would Liddell be fighting either Keith or Wanderlei again?
I'm annoyed by all the pointless rematches, but both were close exciting fights, I think either warrants a rematch.
Chuck vs Shogun or Wand/Jardine would probably also be for a title shot too, so it makes a lot of sense IMO
I've wanted to see Hendo/Franklin for years, I hope they put it together soon.
Both guys are kind of in limbo as gatekeepers at 185, so at least it would be an exciting fight even if it doesn't clear up the rankings. It would be rough for Hendo to get his 3rd straight loss though
I think the UFC learned not to put off big matches any more with all the fluke injuries and upsets out there
Silva is going to kick the Techno Viking's ass. No point in him fighting Wanderlei again for a while. My guess is that he fights Shogun or the winner of Rampage/ Griffin.
I agree with orcus in this case both Shogun and Chuck are recovering from serious injuries and will be ready to face each other this fall or the end of the year.
after rich lost he faced mcdonald , then okami..i would think they would do henderson the same luxury ang give him a fight that he an up and comer that he will probably win an save hendo vs franklin for a little down the road when it can get either one back in the title picture late this year at the earliest oct- dec sometime...then either one could fight early to mid-2009 and get a shot at the belt in mid to late 2009..that would make more sense to me..at least
Franklin vs. Leben Franklin vs. Henderson Franklin vs. Bisping Franklin vs. Marquardt Franklin vs. Almeida Franklin vs. Maia Franklin vs. Leites Franklin vs. Kampmann
plenty of great matchups still available.
I also agree with the why's on Liddell rematching Wandy or Jardine. There are more interesting matchups available:
Liddell vs. T. Silva Liddell vs. Rashad Liddell vs. Machida Liddell vs. Alexander Liddell vs. Irvin Liddell vs. Shogun
- New welterweight champion St. Pierre was offered a title defense with Jon Fitch, but felt his hands were damaged in his win over Matt Serra in Montreal and he couldn't be ready in such a short period of time. Franklin, who also fought in Montreal, was offered a match with Dan Henderson, but felt after such a hard training camp that he wouldn't be able to peak again so soon. Both fights are expected to take place later this year.