A just-announced September rematch between Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin at UFC 103 in Dallas highlights a second half to 2009 filled with huge fights.
Over the past week or so, many MMA fighters across the globe have been given the news to be ready for some big-time opponents. Some of these bouts will have serious implications on the divisional rankings so let's take a look at what's in store over the next few months.
Here's a list:
Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg (August 15)
In cased you missed it, I have to mention it again -- the announced rematch between Nick Diaz and Joe Riggs is going to be a fireworks spectacle like no other.
The rumoured Strikeforce debut of Roger Gracie has been shot down by the Brazilian as he has respectfully bowed out to help take care of his newborn son.
Jake Shields may also be thrown into the mix but not at welterweight. The So-Cal native will get a crack at the new interim Strikeforce middleweight belt. This is while current champ Cung Le finishes off filming some movie rolls and is also getting married.
UFC 102 - Portland (August 29)
Two Canadians have been added to the UFC's debut in Portland. First is Albeta's Tim (The Thrashing Machine) Hague, who will face Todd Duffee. Meanwhile Winnipeg's Krzysztof (The Polish Experiment) Soszynski confirmed to Sportsnet he will step in for the injured Matt (The Hammer) Hamill and take on Brandon (The Truth) Vera.
UFC FIGHT NIGHT 19 - Oklahoma City (September 16)
Middleweight bout Aaron Simpson vs. Ed (Short Fuse) Herman has been added to the card as well as Justin Buchholz, who replaces an injured Ronny Torres against Jeremy Stephens.
UFC 103 - Dallas (September 19)
Just announced Monday afternoon, Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin will meet in a rematch of their January bout that went the distance. Henderson won that one by split decision.
The UFC has also announced that Mirko (Cro Cop) Filipovic will return to the UFC's heayweight division and take on rising star Junior dos Santos.
And former lightweight champion Sean Sherk will take on Gleison Tibau while Tomasz Drwal will battle Drew McFedries in a middleweight clash I cannot see going the distance.
UFC 104 - Los Angeles (October 24)
The return of light-heavyweight Ultimate Fighter Season 8 winner Ryan (Darth) Bader will take place on this card as he is scheduled to face Eric (Red) Schafer.
Heavyweights Pat Barry and Antoni Hardonk will scrap it out, while an incredible welterweight fight between Anthony (Rumble) Johnson and Yoshiyuki Yoshida will be a fight for the ages. It's the proverbial style vs. style matchup as Johnson's striking will be hard pressed against Yoshida's incredible grappling prowess.
Also on this card will be a couple of noteworthy middleweights matchups: Yushin Okami vs. Chael Sonnen as well as Rob Kimmons vs Jorge Rivera.
UFC 105 - UK (November 14)
This card is rumoured to be on free TV, and yes, hopefully on Sportsnet.
Michael Bisping is rumoured to headline (or at least co-headline) this card. While no opponents have been named, I'm edging towards one of Canadians Denis Kang or Patrick Cote.
The Ultimate Fighter Season 9 winners James Wilks and Ross Pearson are also rumoured to be on this card while my money is betting that (The Outlaw) Dan Hardy will also make a welterweight appearance.
DREAM.11 - Kanagawa, Japan (October 6)
Jason (Mayhem) Miller will get a third crack at arch-rival Ronaldo (Jacare) Souza at Dream 11 on Oct. 6. Miller-Jacare III will be contested for Dream's middleweight title.
This event will also feature the second round of the "Super Hulk" tournament as well as the finals of the featherweight Grand Prix. It may be hard to convince me that this card is not the best show of the year.
Check out the current matchups here.
World Victory Road - Sengoku 10th Battle (September 23)
Canadian Joe (El Dirte) Doerksen has been added to World Victory Road's "Sengoku's 10th Battle" in Saitama, Japan.
Heavyweight Antonio (Bigfoot) Silva has also been added to the card, as well as Ryan (The Lion) Schultz.
