The Ultimate Fighting Championship today officially announced three bouts for UFC 134, scheduled to take place Aug. 27 at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Former UFC light heavyweight champions Forrest Griffin (18-6) and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (19-5) will face off in a rematch from “Shogun’s” 2007 UFC debut in which he was submitted by Griffin in the third round with just 15 seconds left in the fight.
Both fighters have since won and lost the 205-pound title and are looking to get back in contention. A decisive win for either fighter could put them one fight away or possibly next in line for a title shot.
UFC President Dana White commented on the Griffin-Rua rematch:
“These two former world champions always give it their all and this could be one of the most exciting fights of the year.”
Also confirmed for UFC 134 is a lightweight match-up between Spencer “The King” Fisher (24-7) and Thiago Tavares (15-4-1).
Fisher could very well be fighting for his job here. He has lost three of his last four fights and is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Ross Pearson at UFC 127 in February.
Tavares has won three “Fight of the Night” honors during his four years with the UFC. And while not quite in the same dire straits as Fisher, another loss here could put him there.
Tavares’ last fight was in March when Shane Roller stopped him via second round KO at UFC on Versus 3.
The third fight which was confirmed today for UFC 134 is a light heavyweight match-up between undefeated Bulgarian Stanislav Nedkov (11-0), who will make his UFC debut against hard-hitting Brazilian, Luiz “Banha” Cane (11-3, 1 NC).
By the time UFC 134 rolls around, Stanislov will have already been signed with the UFC for a year. The Sengoku veteran had previously been scheduled to fight at UFC 117 and UFC 120, but was pulled from both cards due to injury, the first to himself, the second to his opponent.
Luiz Cane is a heck of a welcoming committee for anyone. With nine of his 11 wins coming by knockout, he is a dangerous proposition for any fighter who stands in front of him.
Cane is coming off a first round TKO of Eliot Marshall at UFC 128 last month.
Stay close to ProMMAnow.com as more fights are announced for UFC 134, and check our Upcoming Events page any time to see what fights have been rumored and confirmed for future UFC or Strikeforce events.