UFC
Ronda Rousey (12-0-0) will take on Holly Hom (9-0-0) at UFC 195 instead of Miesha Tate. This is a reverse in logic, but it is logic that makes more sense. Tate, while on a winning streak, is not a fighter that we really want to see Rousey fight for a third time considering the outcome of the first two. It does suck for Tate, but she will get her chance if she just keeps winning and beating contenders. The co-main event to that card will be none other that the Strawweight title on the line with Joanna Jedzejczyk finally matching Claudia Gadelha. The first fight sent Joanna on to win the title but it was hotly contested and she only passed by split decision. Now, we will have five rounds to decide the winner.
Mirko Cro Cop (31-11-2) posted today that he is fighting at UFC Fight Night 79 but his opponent has yet to be announced. We know that the signed with the UFC and wants to rematch some of the people that beat him. The avenged loss to Gonzaga only leaves five other fighters but two are lined up for fights and one does not fight in the UFC anymore. The others are Oleksiy Oliynyk who could be but is probably not a big enough name and Brendan Schaub who no one rally ever wants to watch fight. The only fighter that might make sense is Stefan Struve.
Khabib Nurmagomedov (22-0-0) finally returns from injury and he will face TUF winner Tony Ferguson (19-3-0) at TUF 22 Finale. This is an interesting matchup as Ferguson showed some unique skills in his dominating win over Josh Thompson, and with this much time off, one has to wonder what has happened to Nurmagomedov’s skills over that span of time.
Kevin Lee (11-1-0) may have lost in his UFC debut, but since then he has pulled off four straight wins over lesser known opponents. Leonardo Santos (14-3-1) has not been too impressive but has not loss in four straight UFC bouts as well. The winner of this fight might have a big name in there future though. This takes place at UFC 194.
A pair of Middleweight match ups has been announced for UFC on Fox 17. Nate Marquardt (33-15-2) will have to get past CB Dollaway (15-7-0) in he wants his career to continue. In fact, if either of them lose they may be looking for a new place of employment. Marquardt has only won one fight in his last six while Rollaway has lost his last two. Rising star Josh Samman (12-2-0) will take on returning prospect Tamdan McCrory (13-3-0) in what is bound to be one explosive fight.
John Makdessi (13-4-0) returns from a broken jaw to face off with Yancy Medeiros (11-3-0) at UFC 194.
Bellator
The undefeated striker, Michael Page (8-0-0) looks to make it four straight in Bellator with a win over Brennan Ward (11-3-0) at Bellator 144. A title shot may be in his future with a win in this fight.