There have been four notable fights apparently agreed upon for ZUFFA in the upcoming year. Both the UFC and WEC appear to be shaping up their cards for the first quarter of 2009.
While the UFC announced Joe Lauzon and Hermes Franca will headline UFC Fight Night 17, they will be joined by two of ZUFFA’s rising prospects.
American Kickboxing Academy heavyweight standout, Cain Velasquez will face Dennis “The Menace” Stojnic. Oklahama State All-American, Jake Rosholt comes over from the WEC 185 pound division in a bout with Alessio Sakara.
Nate Marquardt and Wilson Gouveia verbally agreed to square off at the 02 Arena in London, England at UFC 95. However, no contract has been signed yet.
It may not be official but heavily speculated that the UFC will return to Ohio in March. Former title contender, Gabriel Gonzaga will meet big Shane Carwin in a clash of two heavyweight behemoths. Both men are on the cusp of a heavyweight title shot and this matchup has the potential for major fireworks.
Mike Thomas Brown’s first 145 pound title defense will likely come against Leonard Garcia. Two of the WEC’s brightest stars verbally agreed to fight for the strap in a yet to be announced venue some time in March.
The early outlook for 2009 seems bright for the largest company in Mixed Martial Arts.