MMA Fight Opinion

Not so fast UFC fans. Dana White is now claiming the purchase of Pride FC is not a done deal. If that isn't enough to tide you over until the "big announcement" Tuesday in Vegas, Pride FC fighters are NOT all coming over in a possible purchase deal. Some fighters have contracts in place that make them free agents even if the UFC does indeed buy Pride FC.

Shogun Rua has signed a new 4-fight deal with Pride FC, but it would come with his services in the deal.

However, Wanderlei Silva is a free agent again, and has not made any decisions on his immediate future, even though Pride FC is saying he will be at the next PPV event.

The biggest dog in the hunt, Fedor Emelianenko, is reported to now have signed a multi-fight deal with Bodog. Sources indicate that Fedor has little desire to come over to the UFC, and work for Dana White and the boys. It seems his stay in Bodog will be extended past the upcoming fight with Matt Lindland. Little brother Aleksander Emelianenko, is also supposed to be signing an extended contract with Bodog soon.

Diego Sanchez failed his last drug test in the fight with Joe Riggs. Diego tested positive for Marijuana (much like former opponent Nick Diaz), only in mysterious circumstances, the story was never told to the public, and Sanchez only received a $500 fine, and 3 month suspension, which coincidentally, has already passed, and will allow him to have his fight with rival Josh Koscheck. Could it be that the UFC's growing power allowed them to supress the story of their rising fighter, while promoting his training efforts with boxing legend, and fellow Hispanic hero, Oscar De La Hoya? Interesting indeed. Also, Diego has again voiced his desire to fight former Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes, yet again. It seems if he can get past Koscheck, Diego may well get the next title shot, but only after current Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre, fights Matt Serra, and the winner fights Matt Hughes. I would think Diego would have time for another fight in the meantime, possibly against the loser of GSP/Serra. The 170 division should continue to be red hot in 2007.

Showtime's MMA show, Elite XC, has reportedly partnered up with Japanese power house K-1, in hopes of competing with the UFC. K-1 has their 1st Hero's show in America this year, but there has been little interest in the American MMA circles (due in large part to K-1's odd matchmaking, and shallow talent pool). Now the two groups will combine efforts in a co-PPV event, June 2nd. Brock Lesnar will make his long awaited MMA debut against giant Hong-Man Choi, along with the return of Royce Gracie vs TBA, and yet to be announced Elite XC fighters.

Elite XC already has a partnered show lined up with Strikeforce June 22, where Frank Shamrock and Phil Baroni will finally square off, as well as Ninja Rua vs Joey Villasenor for the Elite XC Middleweight Title.

If all that isn't enough, professional boxer Ray Mercer, has signed to fight in a MMA rules match, with internet sensation Kimbo Slice. Kimbo is known for his internet fights that contain few rules, and fat underwhelming challengers. Kimbo is very popular with the internet fanboys, but has a lot of punching power, little stamina, and less skill. Many fans have wanted a pro boxer to fight a MMA man, and they are actually considering this it. A 46 year old boxer, against a bare knuckle thug, who knows nothing about MMA, except for the punch, wonderful! June 16th, in Cage Fury 5. If you like crap, here's your show.