MMA Free Agent Melee 10/30/08

Denis Kang got a nice 1st round KO of journeyman Marvin Eastman over in Japan at “Raw Combat.” Kang is still very powerful and after some tough losses (1 to eventual DREAM Middleweight Grand Prix Champion Gegard Mousasi & 1 to Kazou Misaki [split-decision] who he fought with one arm due to a bicep tear in the finals of the Pride FC Middleweight Grand Prix), people have forgotten he is a legit and possibly Top 10 Middleweight. Even more important, thanks to a kind release from his home countries MMA promotion Spirit MC, Kang is now a free agent! If signed with a more recognized company like Sengoku or UFC (depending on which continent he wishes to fight on) Denis would be more on the lips of MMA journalists and fans. The guy is a huge 185 pounder and has the experience (31-10-1) and power combined with the great American Top Team camp. Look for Kang to make some real noise in 2009.

Sean Sherk has called out the winner of Kenny Florian vs. Joe Stevenson, after his decision win over Tyson Griffin, saying he wants the winner for the #1 contender spot to Lightweight king BJ Penn. Florian is much improved since he lost a bloody 5 round decision to Sherk and Stevenson’s last loss came at the hands of the aforementioned Baby Joe. I don’t think Kenny can take either man (though he is favored at the moment against Joe “Daddy”) in a fight but Stevenson vs. Sherk leads us to a rematch with the “Prodigy” either way.

It’s only a matter of time as former Elite XC Welterweight Jake Shields looks like he will be joining the UFC ranks some time soon. Zuffa was interested in him years ago but he couldn't make weight for a last second fight with Robbie Lawler and teammate Nick Diaz stepped in KOing the heavy handed Miletich fighter. The rest is history as Jake wandered around while Nick became a star. Now it looks as though it will be Shields turn at the “big show” adding his name to the already stacked Welterweight ranks.

Speaking of “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler, former Elite XC Middleweight Champion is trying to return to the UFC and putting his name in the mix to eventually fight the seemingly unstoppable Anderson Silva. Though I don’t see a title shot happening soon, the one punch KO power Robbie brings is not to be ignored. Rob, a former Welterweight, revitalized his career when he gained weight and moved into the Middleweight ranks. He dispatched such fighters as Frank Trigg, Ninja Rua, Joey Villasenor, Scott Smith, and held a title with ICON as well. I believe his return to the UFC has been a long time coming and as a member of Matt Hughes H.I.T. Squad, the door has got to be open. However, agent Monte Cox doesn’t think the UFC will meet his Elite XC contract at around $100,000 a fight, so Sengoku and DREAM are still in the mix.

Cesar Gracie said he is already making plans for Nick “Diablo” Diaz’s next fight. The 25-year-old fighter has an existing clause in his contract allowing him to compete in Japan as long as it doesn't interfere with his EliteXC duties. Well, with Elite XC basically down for the count, Diaz isn’t breaking the contract he is currently under. "We’re not doing anything wrong if he fights in Japan," Gracie said. "As far as him fighting in the U.S., then the 30 day thing applies." Gracie said representatives from DREAM and Sengoku had approached him about using “Diablo.” DREAM’s parent company, Fight Entertainment Group, is planning K-1 Dynamite! (Mixed with MMA & kickboxing bouts) event for New Year’s Eve, while Sengoku 7 is scheduled for Jan. 4.

Thiago Alves has a dislocated thumb after his win over Josh Koscheck but it won't keep him out of action for any extended period of time.

Dana White has mockingly offered Kimbo Slice a spot on a future Ultimate Fighter show saying, “What has the guy done to deserve to be in the UFC? Nothing. I don’t consider him a real athlete or anything. He won’t win The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). The offer is out there if he wants to take it and he won’t win it. I might put a heavyweight show together just for him.” I may not be the biggest Dana White fan, but that is funny.

Finally the Lightweight showdown between Nate Diaz and Clay Guida has been scrapped at December 10 Ultimate Fight Night 16. Clay injured his foot and Nate has decided to use the opportunity for some much needed rest. Both will be back making more noise in 2009.

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