UFC 112 SET FOR DHUBAI

MATT HUGHES RETURNS TO THE OCTAGON FOR UFC 112

The Ultimate Fighting Championship breaks new ground with UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi today. Not only is this the first UFC event to take place in the Middle East, but it is also a rare outdoor event for the Mixed Martial Arts organization.

The UFC 112 card features two World Championship matches. Middleweight champion Anderson Silva takes on Demian Maia while B.J. Penn battles Frankie Edgar for the lightweight belt. UFC 112 also features  Matt Hughes, arguably the greatest welterweight in UFC history. Hughes successfully defended his UFC belt a record seven straight fights. He is also tied with Chuck Liddell for the most wins in UFC history with 16. Hughes takes on another MMA legend in Renzo Gracie.

Following tonight’s card in Dhubai, the UFC has announced plans to hold matches in Afghanistan and China.

B.J. PENN

MACHIDA IS NEW UFC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

EVANS BATTLES MACHIDA IN UFC 98 (PHOTO COURTESY OF YAHOO! SPORTS)

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has a new champion. Rashad Evans entered the night as the biggest name at the top of the UFC 98 card.  However, the wiseguys knew better. Lyoto Machida, who was actually he betting favorite in Las Vegas,  is the new UFC Light Heavyweight champion after a second round knockout of Rashad Evans. Despite being a UFC champion, Evans was never exactly a fan favorite. He was actually booed at the UFC 98 weigh-in at the MGM in Las Vegas on Friday.

Machida, who has often been criticized for his deliberate fighting style, finished Evans off with a dazzling flurry of punches. In the evening’s co-main event, Matt Hughes narrowly decisioned Matt Serra in a welterweight grudge match.

Former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk lost his fight on the card.

MATT HUGHES

UFC 98 IS SATURDAY

 

UFC 98 takes place tomorrow at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Light Heavyweight champ Rashad Evans takes on Lyoto Machida. Among the other fights on the card is a grudge match between Matt Serra and Matt Hughes.

 

THE MATT SERRA/MATT HUGHES UFC BOUT TAKES PLACE THIS WEEKEND