MMA MMA MMA, & The Like

1st up on the MMA information super-wire of rumors and delusions. Despite rumors saying Chute Boxe (who has officially disassociated themselves with the American camp that adopted their name) is coming to form a permanent American camp seem to be wrong. While Wanderlei Silva did return to Brazil to meet up with his former running mates Cyborg, Ninja, & Shogun, they are not, at this time, going to bring camp to the U.S. Shogun has stated he and his brother will remain with their new training team in Brazil and not reunite with Chute Boxe or Silva. Shogun wants to continue with their new team and focus on returning to fight in the UFC in April, while he did leave the future open to training with Wanderlei and Chute Boxe members in the future.

In a battle of the undefeated, Thiago Alves (Chute Boxe) is slated to face Rashad Evans (Jackson Submission Fighting) in May. Both Light Heavyweights are on the cusp of title contention after padding their perspective records as of late. Rashad is coming off a judges gift decision over Michael Bisping while Thiago just obliterated the aura of power punching Houston Alexander. One thing is for sure, Thiago will force Rashad to not fight the boring fight he is known for.

Speaking of "The Planet" Houston Alexander, he has an upcoming puncher's war with fellow stand up stand out James Irvin. Both have nothing on the ground and great power in the hands so a KO is inevitable for one of the men.

Karo Parisyan (18-4), who most consider the #1 contender for the Welterweight Title after the Serra/GSP fight, is rolling the dice in a reported fight with Thiago Alves (13-3). Thiago is a definite up and coming Welterweight who could derail Karo's title hopes for the 2nd time (injury cost Parisyan his 1st title shot). Thiago is coming off a lucky win via cut over Chris Lytle in a bout he was losing while Karo returns is coming off an impressive win over Pride FC vet Ryo Chonan. Give Karo the credit, he could just sit on the sidelines until after the Serra/GSP rematch, but he wants to stay active and make sure he gets a title shot.

Jeremy Horn (79-16-5) has stepped in and out of retirement to face Nathan Marquardt (25-7-2) after Middleweight contender Thales Leites (12-1) had to withdraw with a broken hand. Marquardt is looking to recover from his title defeat at the hands of the "2007 Fighter Of The Year" Anderson Silva, while Horn returns as one of the most respected fighters of all time, trying to get back on track after disappointing 2-2 in the last few years. A win puts Horn back in the mix, while a win for Marquardt keeps him near title contention provided someone can beat Silva.

Undefeated Lyoto Machida (12-0) has accepted a fight with Tito Ortiz (15-5-1) (who has yet to sign). Tito is coming off his draw with Rashad Evans and a stint on the reality show "The Apprentice," while Lyoto needs one more big win to be a Light Heavyweight #1 contender. He should be already but hey, you also need to have a "name" in the UFC for a title shot. By the by, Vitor Belfort had an interview with the UFC about returning to the organization and said his 1st order of business was a rematch with Tito. Stay tuned.

Eddie Alvarez (11-1), former Bodog Fight Welterweight Champion has signed a deal to fight for Elite XC. Eddie is a top and vicious talent who needs to be brought to a larger market. Though a bit small for Welterweight, Alvarez is a standout who KO's the crap out of competition and has a huge cult following. Expect big things from this man soon on Showtime.

Strikeforce Champion Frank Shamrock (23-8-1) will fight San Shou legend and ultra-exciting MMA up and comer Cung Le (5-0) for the Middleweight title March 29th. Many have said Le has not yet been tested in MMA and that Frank hasn't had a truly elite opponent since his return to MMA action, so this fight may sate all fans. Cung has amazing striking ability with the legs and hands while Frank is a veteran who was once the greatest in the world. The fight is sure to draw an enormous audience and will the winner face Renzo Gracie?

Hall Of Fame fighter Pat Miletich says he would like to rematch aforementioned Renzo Gracie this year and possibly Frank Shamrock as he plans to continue to tarnish a formerly great legacy.

Finally and inevitably, the UFC has officially launched a lawsuit against former/current? Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture. Obviously, they want him to fight for them before his contract expires in October and block at all costs a dream bout against one Fedor Emelianenko. I continue to believe that both parties in this are wrong and that the only losers in the long run will be the fans.