After delivering one of the year's most thunderous knockouts at WEC 53 earlier this month, Eddie Wineland said he was ready for a step up in competition – that his ultimate goal was to recapture the bantamweight title he held four years ago.
Now that the first 135-pound champion in WEC history is a UFC fighter following the promotions' merger, it appears his new bosses have answered that call.
MMA Fighting has learned from sources close to the situation that the UFC is targeting a bout between Wineland and former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber at UFC 128 on March 19 in Newark, N.J. Though contracts have not yet been signed, verbal agreements are in place for the fight, which would likely hold a prime spot on the event's pay-per-view card
Man with the merger the undercards are starting to look like fight nites.Ug is so good at getting Dana to do things.Were gonna have to start a petition to get more access to the prelims.Like two hour spike prelims.Then ppv main card.
wow, totally unexpected and awesome fight. I love that it is co-main event also. Faber is a mega star and one of the few guys in the WEC that can legitimately headline and co-headline UFC cards.
Faber has been inconsistent on his past 6 fights(3-3). This in my opinion is a good matchup to solidify the top title contender spot. Dont think this is going to be a onesided fight in Urijah's favor. Wineland who is 13-2 in his last 15 fights is no slouch. I think his standup up may be a bit better than Fabers and his takedown defense may be difficult for him to handle. If Eddie can keep this fight standing, he will have a good chance at getting the win.
