MMA Melee: "Kid" Yamamoto Signs With The UFC & Royce Gracie To Fight?

Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto has finally signed with the UFC! After years and years of Urijah Faber calling him out and MMA's hardcore fans screaming for an American appearance, the Japanese superstar will meet Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in a Bantamweight fight. It is probably for UFC 126 in Las Vegas. "Kid" was once considered the best Featherweight fighter though he lost 2 in a row for the 1st time in his career before his last bout which was a KO victory. UFC president Dana White confirmed Yamamoto’s signing on Twitter.

UFC president Dana White has said that Roy Nelson (15-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC) is currently contractually bound to another fight promotion. Roy Jones Jr.'s Square Ring Promotions claims to have Nelson tied down. "Big Country" headlined a MMA/boxing card called "March Badness" and lost to Jeff Monson via Unanimous Decision. Then, Nelson joined the cast of "The Ultimate Fighter 10" and won the whole thing including a highly rated victory over Kimbo Slice. The heavy heavyweight then KO'd Stefan Struve but lost to Junior Dos Santos via Unanimous Decision. Now lawyers are scrambling to find a solution which will most likely be a financial settlement.

Tito Ortiz actually acted like a man for once and went to Dana White asking for “1 more chance.” in the UFC. BLAF has granted the request and Tito will be destroyed by Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at Ultimate Fight Night 24. I hate Frito but actually give him props for handling himself like a man which he usually leaves to Jenna.

With the UFC returning to Brazil August 27th, in people are already lining up opponents for Royce Gracie though he is not officially signed to fight on the card as of yet. The likes of Roy Jones Jr., James Toney, Matt Hughes, Kazushi Sakuraba, Yoshihiro Akiyama, and dear god Ken Shamrock have all been rumored as "interesting" to Royce.

The UFC cut list just keeps getting longer in these oh so competitive days. Dustin "McLovin" Hazelett was dropped after losing 3 tough fights in a row. It's a shame but Dusty is just getting his feet wet as a Lightweight and better days lay ahead.

Strikeforce is also trimming their roster releasing Joe Riggs and Joey Villasenor. "Diesel" actually won his last fight for Strikeforce in August and another for King Of The Cage. "Smokin" lost in May and was allowed to fight in Shark Fights where he lost again and now won't be offered a contract.