mitchell
Our season, this, maybe next!!!
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RE: UFC
Brock Lesnar vs. Fedor Emelianenko – Could it Happen?
It’s a well known fact that UFC President Dana White loves to appease the fans, and give them what they are asking for most.
If there was one occasion where White fell short in that goal was his desire to sign former PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko.
The Russian legend never fought in the UFC and despite White’s best efforts, he remains the great white whale to his Captain Ahab.
So when White recently visited the popular Underground forum and sparked a debate about a possible super fight between Emelianenko and former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, the fans exploded in response.
“What happened was people were asking ‘could Dana make this fight’ and then I asked them how many people really want to see this fight? I was asking a question,” White said when speaking to UFC Tonight on Tuesday.
The overwhelming answer from fans was ‘yes’ they would pay to see the fantasy fight between Emelianenko and Lesnar.
“I guess a couple people want to see that fight,” White said with a smile.
While the conversation is beyond interesting to MMA fans from all walks of life, the likelihood of the super fight actually happening seems all but impossible.
Lesnar is currently under contract to World Wrestling Entertainment through at least the biggest part of 2013, and Emelianenko retired after his last fight earlier this year. When it comes to Dana White, the best phrase to use is ‘never say never’ but this fight isn’t one any fans should hold their breath about.
“I’ll tell you this, I have done so much to try to get Fedor in the UFC. You know how I am, especially when I say it publically, like this is an obsession, I’ve got to get this thing done, and tried to get it done,” said White.
“The crazy thing is people are asking me to make this fight when they know Fedor is retired. The guy retired. I couldn’t get him when he was fighting, now we’re on such good terms I’m going to pull him out of retirement?”
Emelianenko has remained fairly quiet since he walked away from the sport, and with Lesnar back in the pro wrestling world, the bout will likely never happen but MMA fans everywhere can continue to dream.
The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK “The Smashes” Cast Announced
On the heels of the UFC announcing the TUF 16 cast, the promotion today revealed the cast and teams for next international version of the The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK. The season has been dubbed “The Smashes” and will feature 8 lightweight and 8 welterweight fighters representing Australia and the United Kingdom looking to becoming the next Ultimate Fighter.
The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK will premiere in Australia on September 19th at 7:30pm AEST on FOXTEL. Similar to the first international version of The Ultimate Fighter, those not lucky enough to live in Australia will still be able to watch the series on TUF.tv. Following the 13-episode season will be a live three-hour finale in December where not only will two new Ultimate Fighter winner be crowned but coaches George Sotiropoulos and Ross Pearson will also fight at the live finale.
“These guys have definitely made the second international TUF show ‘can’t miss’ TV,” said UFC President Dana White. “Going into this thing, I had no idea just how much the Aussies and the Brits can’t stand losing to each other. Now I know.”
Team Australia, coached by George Sotiropoulos will be comprises of:
Lightweights:
Grant Blackler, 23, Sunshine Coast
Patrick Iodice, 19, GoldCoast
Richie Vaculik, 29, Sydney
Ben Wall, 23, Brisbane
Welterweights:
Ben Alloway, 31, GoldCoast
Xavier Lucas, 31, Perth
Manuel Rodriguez, 27, Sydney
Robert Whitaker, 21, Sydney
Team UK, coached by Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson will be:
Lightweights:
Colin Fletcher, 29, Sunderland
Norman Parke, 25, Bushmills, Nth Ireland
Michael Pastou, 30, Essex
Mike Wilkinson, 24, Leigh
Welterweights:
Luke Newman, 22, London
Bola Omoyele, 30, London
Valentino Petrescu, 30, Essex
Brad Scott, 23, Melksham
Just days before, The Ultimate Fighter 16 will premiere on September 14th with a special two-hour episode featuring 32 fighters in 16 elimination fights airing at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT on FX..
We'll have to post it on here the day after.
Scouse Mafia
"It's not bragging if you can back it up." ~ Muhammad Ali
Rome 1977, London 1978, Paris 1981, Rome 1984, Istanbul 2005 ~ Liverpool Football Club
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