MMA Speculation

Frank Shamrock has found himself a "wanted man" after his recent pounding of Phil Baroni. People are speculating on just who he will face next and it seems his drawing power is back up to full power.

San Shou wizard Cung Le's name has been mentioned, but I believe that would be a big step up in competition for a popular prospect. Renzo Gracie has already stated emphatically that he will take a rematch with Frank to settle things from their last fight which ended in a controversial DQ.

And finally, Nick Diaz has thrown his name into the mix. "Nick Diaz, who is signed with ProElite, has requested to face Frank Shamrock as soon as possible. After a spectacular win against Takanori Gomi, Diaz seems intent on enrolling himself for higher profile fights. With both fighters fighting in the same organization this fight seems the logical next step in what would be as an MMA fan's dream come true.
"I watched his last fight and no disrespect intended but I think I would whoop his ass.", stated Diaz. A formal offer of intent has been delivered to the promoters to set this fight up and now we await their response." All three possible bouts would be a great addition to any fight card.

Frank's brother Ken Shamrock has been officially waived from the UFC roster. Ken did have 1 fight left on his contract, which he has recently stated he wanted to fulfill. Instead, Shamrock was cut last week and has said he wants at least 1 more fight in his career, perhaps in the IFL where he coaches. Given their past history and constant verbal wars, a rematch with fellow IFL coach Don Frye could be looming in the distance. Good to see the young guys still trying to fight, and the IFL seems to love the air gasping old man wars (Pat Miletich, Maurice Smith, Marco Ruas) so don't be surprised if it happens.

Pride FC fan favorite Hayato "Mach" Sakurai has signed with the UFC and his 1st fight may be against Diego Sanchez at UFC 75 August 25th. The bout is not official yet, but it will be interesting to see Mach return to the Welterweight division, and see another major test for the formerly undefeated Sanchez. Diego was in line for a title shot before losing a lackluster fight with his sworn enemy Josh Koscheck. A win could really put the vet Mach in the mix, while a loss for Diego would really set him back. Interesting competitive fight.

Shogun Rua's debut for the UFC is scheduled for September 22, but Mauricio tweaked his knee which probably won't take him out of the fight, but it is a concern for the Chute Boxe trainers. His opponent has yet to be announced, but it is looking like Jason Lambert may get the call.

In some final buzz notes, former Middleweight Champion Evan Tanner is slated to return to the UFC at the aforementioned September event. Contracts will be up for Tito Ortiz and Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk after this weekend's UFC PPV, and it will be interesting to see if Tito Ortiz tries to test the free agent market, rather than stay with the UFC where he is constantly butting heads with Dana White, and isn't likely to be in the Light Heavyweight title scene any time soon.