While there was talk of an immediate rematch between welterweight champion Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit following their five-round classic at UFC 195, it appears as though the UFC has other plans.
According to MMAFighting’s Ariel Helwani, a bout between Lawler and Tyron Woodley is in the works for UFC 201. The organization has not made an official announcement.
Woodley (15-3) is the No. 3-ranked contender in the 170-pound division at the moment. The No. 1 and No. 2 contenders are Canadian Rory MacDonald and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, respectively. Those two are currently scheduled to fight one another on June 18 in Ottawa. Woodley has won four of his last five fights (with that one loss being a unanimous decision to MacDonald) but hasn’t fought since beating Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 183 last January.
Meanwhile, Lawler (27–10, 1 NC) has won five in a row including his contentious split decision over Condit back in January. He also holds victories over MacDonald, Johny Hendricks (twice) and Matt Brown during his current streak.
UFC 200 getting another high-profile rematch?
UFC Tonight’s Megan Olivi reported late Wednesday a bantamweight bout between former champion T.J. Dillashaw and Raphael Assuncao is in the works for the anticipated July 9 event. Assuncao (23-4) is 7-0 at 135 pounds and holds a split decision win over Dillashaw when the two fought in 2013. Assuncao hasn’t competed since October 2014 due to a series of injuries. Dillashaw (12-3) lost his belt to Dominick Cruz in January.
The main event (Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones) and co-main event (Jose Aldo vs. Frankie Edgar) of UFC 200 are also rematches.
Holm’s next bout will likely be UFC on FOX 20 main event
Former women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm is in line to headline the UFC’s return to Chicago in July, according to a report on UFC Tonight. Holm’s proposed opponent is Valentina Shevchenko. The talented Russian striker is coming off a loss to Amanda Nunes, who is set to fight current champ Miesha Tate at UFC 200. Holm was submitted by Tate at UFC 196. Many fans had anticipated Holm would get an immediate rematch with Tate because she was ahead on the scorecards when she was tapped out, but that turned out not to be the case.
Heavy hitters ready to throw down
Knockout artists Glover Teixeira and Anthony Johnson will meet at UFC on FOX 20 on July 23, the organization announced Thursday.
UFC on Twitter
BREAKING: LHW sluggers @Anthony_Rumble & @GloverTeixeira square off at #UFCChicago! 5/20 http://foxs.pt/23stEvQ pic.twitter.com/bIGwoe4wku
Teixeira (25-4) knocked out former champion Rashad Evans last month to extend his winning streak to three.
“I feel right at the top,” Teixeira said following the bout. “‘Rumble’ Johnson is waiting around for Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. He doesn’t want to wait around. Let’s dance, baby. Let’s make some money.”
Johnson (21–5) has won nine of his 10 career fights in the light-heavyweight division with his only loss coming at the hands of current champ Daniel Cormier. Johnson is coming off an 86-second knockout win over Ryan Bader in January.
More fireworks headed to Chicago
In addition to Teixeira-Johnson and possibly Holm-Shevchenko, fans can look forward to Edson Barboza vs. Gilbert Melendez at UFC on FOX 20. The UFC also made that bout official. Barboza recently defeated former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis by unanimous decision at UFC 197, while Melendez is returning from a one-year suspension. Melendez has lost three of his four career UFC tilts dating back to 2013.
UFC on Twitter
BREAKING: Chi-Town lands a lightweight BANGER! @EdsonBarbozaJR takes on @GilbertMelendez at #UFCChicago! 5/20!!pic.twitter.com/RRDShgZDJa
