Author: UFC News

Las Vegas, NV — The Ultimate Fighting Championship® announced today that it will partner with Texas-based the Boot Campaign to launch a fundraising effort benefiting the Lone Survivor Foundation. UFC® fans are encouraged to “get YOUR boots on” by purchasing The Boot Campaign’s signature “give back” combat boots and apparel at www.BootCampaign.com/UFC , with proceeds benefiting the Lone Survivor Foundation.  Fans purchasing “give back” combat boots will be granted free admission to the UFC 130 after-party on May 28 at XS Nightclub at Encore Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.   

In support of the Lone Survivor Foundation, the UFC is offering fans the chance to bid on rare UFC memorabilia made available to the public for the first time. Items signed by UFC superstars such as Royce Gracie, Chuck Liddell, Cain Velasquez, Georges St-Pierre, Jake Shields and Jon Jones will be included. In addition, the auction will feature a limited-edition UFC Octagon Book (411 out of 600), the Octagon canvas from UFC 129, one-on-one training with UFC fighters, as well as VIP fan experiences and tickets to upcoming UFC events. Beginning May 18, the online auction will be held at UFC.com/boots and give fans an opportunity to raise money for military servicemen and women injured while in the line of duty. The auction will run through UFC® 130 on May 28 and all donations received will fund the construction of the Lone Survivor Foundation’s Veteran Ranch in Texas.

Founded by retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, the Lone Survivor Foundation welcomes home, empowers and restores American wounded warriors and their families. Luttrell, author of the #1 New York Times Best-Seller, Lone Survivor, was inspired to build the center after his own recovery post-combat at his ranch in Texas. Luttrell envisioned a facility as a unique place of healing for soldiers recovering from physical wounds and emotional trauma suffered during combat.  
The ranch, while still a medical facility, would offer a non-clinical environment designed to offer soldiers and their families an integrated, holistic approach to recovery.  Located on over 1,000 acres, the ranch will house up to 15 families a week.  The foundation intends to build three other facilities throughout the U.S. in the future.

“The UFC is pleased to partner with the Boot Campaign and the Lone Survivor Foundation as we continue to find ways to support the men and women of our armed forces,” Lorenzo Fertitta, Chairman and CEO of UFC, said.

“Marcus Luttrell is an inspirational hero and we are more than willing to assist him as he creates facilities that will aid in the recovery of our returning servicemen and women.”

“It brings me great pride to unite two of my passions — the UFC and supporting our wounded warriors,” Luttrell said. “The UFC is making it possible to achieve our goal of bringing awareness to the service and sacrifice of our military. I hope all UFC fans will be inspired to join the fight and help our troops when they come home.”

To bid on prizes and for more information on the UFC’s Boot Campaign, please visit UFC.com/boots.  

Veteran Jason Reinhardt will test bantamweight waters this summer when he battles 135-pound prospect Edwin Figueroa on the UFC on Versus card in Milwaukee.

“Jason Reinhardt and Edwin Figueroa have verbally agreed to face each other in a bantamweight bout, August 14th in Milwaukee,” said UFC President Dana White. “With 20 wins, Reinhardt has never gone the distance and Figueroa is coming off a sensational “Fight of The Night” performance against Michael McDonald.”

Bombs Away as Lytle Faces Hardy in Milwaukee

Welterweight sluggers Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy and Chris “Lights Out” Lytle will go to war in the main event of August 14th’s UFC on Versus card in Milwaukee. The bout was verbally agreed to by both parties and is likely to be one of the most exciting of 2011.

Castillo vs. Volkmann on its way to Milwaukee

UFC President Dana White has announced another intriguing matchup for the August 14th event in Milwaukee, as two lightweight up and comers collide.

“In a battle between two top notch wrestlers, Danny “Last Call” Castillo will face Jacob “Christmas” Volkmann August 14 in Milwaukee,” said White.

Miller/Bendo, Bonnar/Vemola Coming in August
Verbal agreements are in for an August matchup between two of the top lightweights in the UFC as former WEC champion Ben Henderson takes on highly ranked Jim Miller, who is currently riding a seven-fight win streak.

Earlier in the day, White confirmed that Stephan Bonnar will try to score his third win in a row against when he battles European standout Karlos Vemola at the same event, taking place August 14 in Milwaukee.

“Verbal agreements are in for an August matchup between Karlos Vemola and Stephan Bonnar,” said UFC President Dana White. “Vemola is an extremely powerful wrestler with heavy hands while Bonnar is very well rounded and known for his incredible ability to take punishment and keep coming forward.”

Two Announced for UFC on VS Event in August
This August’s UFC on Versus event is starting to take shape, with UFC President Dana White announcing two bouts that have been verbally agreed to for the show, which will take place on a date and at a venue to be announced.

“A match that has a shot at being ‘Fight of the Night’ has been verbally agreed to for UFC On Versus this August, as Duane ‘Bang’ Ludwig and Ultimate Fighter winner Amir Sadollah will throw down,” said White. “Verbal agreements are also in for a battle of submission specialists as ‘The Spider’ TJ O’Brien will face Cole ‘Magrinho’ Miller.”

This August in Philadelphia, veteran Ivan Menjivar will look to follow-up his crushing UFC 129 knockout of Charlie Valencia with a win over hot 135-pound prospect Nick Pace.

“Bantamweights Ivan Menjivar and Nick Pace have agreed to fight each other August 6, at UFC 133 in Philadelphia,” said UFC President Dana White. “Menjivar is coming off a devastating elbow KO win and Pace utilized a rarely seen type of submission to secure the victory in his last outing.”

Pace was orginally slated to fight Michael McDonald at UFC 133, but McDonald stepped in for an injured fighter on the UFC 130 card.

Mauler vs. Janitor Confirmed for UFC 133
Two light heavyweights coming off of impressive performances have verbally agreed to meet at UFC 133 – Dana White confirmed today that Swede Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson will take on Belarusian newlywed Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko.

Brown vs. Phan Set for UFC 133 Showdown updated May 11
Always exciting Mike Brown will look to get back in the win column at UFC 133 on August 6th in Philadelphia when he takes on The Ultimate Fighter 12’s Nam Phan.

“Former featherweight champ Mike Brown and Nam Phan have both verbally
agreed to fight August 6th in Philadelphia,” said UFC President Dana White.

Pierce gets Hendricks in UFC 133 Bout
It’s an all-wrestling showdown as Mike Pierce meets Johny Hendricks in a welterweight bout this August.

“Powerhouse wrestlers collide as verbal agreements are in for Mike Pierce vs. Johny Hendricks in Philadelphia August 6th,” said UFC President Dana White.

Evans Battles “Mr. Wonderful” at UFC 133 updated April 25

With UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones currently sidelined by injury, number one contender Rashad Evans will step back into the Octagon to risk his title shot against unbeaten and dangerous Phil Davis at UFC 133 in Philadelphia.
 
“Undefeated ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Phil Davis has verbally agreed to face former UFC world light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans in Philadelphia on August 6,” said UFC President Dana White. Evans was originally supposed to face new champ Jon ‘Bones’ Jones but Jones is unable to compete due to injury.”

Little Nog vs. Franklin in Philly updated April 21
Two more big names have signed on for UFC 133 August 6 in Philadelphia.

“Verbal agreements are in for what should be an amazing fight as former Pride superstar Rogerio ‘Minotoro’ Nogueira will take on former UFC World Middleweight Champion Rich ‘Ace’ Franklin in a light heavyweight bout,” said UFC president Dana White.

Belfort-Akiyama, Hallman-Ebersole at 133 updated April 21
A welterweight matchup has been verbally agreed to between Brian “Bad Boy” Ebersole and Dennis “Superman” Hallman at UFC 133 in Philadelphia, said UFC president Dana White. Ebersole opened eyes when he joined the UFC on short notice against Chris Lytle at UFC 127 and won. With 62 pro fights on his record, the American-born Sydney resident is the rare opponent who’s nearly as experienced as Hallman, a veteran of 81 bouts.

Earlier in the day, White announced that verbal agreements are in for a UFC 133 battle between two of the most exciting fighters in the middleweight division. “After three straight Fight of the Night performances, Yoshihiro Akiyama will take on former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort August 6 in Philadelphia,” he said.

McDonald Meets Pace at 133 updated April 12
Bantamweight phenom Michael McDonald is back this summer to take on Staten Island’s Nick Pace at UFC 133.

“Coming off an incredible Fight Of The Night win, top prospect Michael McDonald returns to the Octagon to face another exciting up-and-comer, Nick Pace, as they have verbally agreed to face each other in a bantamweight bout at UFC 133,” said UFC President Dana White.

Also on that card, BJJ specialist Rafael Natal and Japanese grappler Riki Fukuda have agreed to a middleweight matchup.

Rivera Finally Gets Sakara at 133 updated April 12
“Better late than never, verbal agreements are in for what should be an action-packed match between Alessio Sakara and Jorge Rivera at UFC 133,” said UFC president Dana White today.

The two middleweights were originally scheduled to meet at UFC 122 in Oberhausen, Germany but Sakara had to pull out due to illness. Details on UFC 133, which will take place in August 2011, will be announced soon.

This August in Philadelphia, veteran Ivan Menjivar will look to follow-up his crushing UFC 129 knockout of Charlie Valencia with a win over hot 135-pound prospect Nick Pace.

“Bantamweights Ivan Menjivar and Nick Pace have agreed to fight each other August 6, at UFC 133 in Philadelphia,” said UFC President Dana White. “Menjivar is coming off a devastating elbow KO win and Pace utilized a rarely seen type of submission to secure the victory in his last outing.”

Mauler vs. Janitor Confirmed for UFC 133
Two light heavyweights coming off of impressive performances have verbally agreed to meet at UFC 133 – Dana White confirmed today that Swede Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson will take on Belarusian newlywed Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko.

Brown vs. Phan Set for UFC 133 Showdown updated May 11
Always exciting Mike Brown will look to get back in the win column at UFC 133 on August 6th in Philadelphia when he takes on The Ultimate Fighter 12’s Nam Phan.

“Former featherweight champ Mike Brown and Nam Phan have both verbally
agreed to fight August 6th in Philadelphia,” said UFC President Dana White.

Pierce gets Hendricks in UFC 133 Bout
It’s an all-wrestling showdown as Mike Pierce meets Johny Hendricks in a welterweight bout this August.

“Powerhouse wrestlers collide as verbal agreements are in for Mike Pierce vs. Johny Hendricks in Philadelphia August 6th,” said UFC President Dana White.

Evans Battles “Mr. Wonderful” at UFC 133 updated April 25

With UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones currently sidelined by injury, number one contender Rashad Evans will step back into the Octagon to risk his title shot against unbeaten and dangerous Phil Davis at UFC 133 in Philadelphia.
 
“Undefeated ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Phil Davis has verbally agreed to face former UFC world light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans in Philadelphia on August 6,” said UFC President Dana White. Evans was originally supposed to face new champ Jon ‘Bones’ Jones but Jones is unable to compete due to injury.”

Little Nog vs. Franklin in Philly updated April 21
Two more big names have signed on for UFC 133 August 6 in Philadelphia.

“Verbal agreements are in for what should be an amazing fight as former Pride superstar Rogerio ‘Minotoro’ Nogueira will take on former UFC World Middleweight Champion Rich ‘Ace’ Franklin in a light heavyweight bout,” said UFC president Dana White.

Belfort-Akiyama, Hallman-Ebersole at 133 updated April 21
A welterweight matchup has been verbally agreed to between Brian “Bad Boy” Ebersole and Dennis “Superman” Hallman at UFC 133 in Philadelphia, said UFC president Dana White. Ebersole opened eyes when he joined the UFC on short notice against Chris Lytle at UFC 127 and won. With 62 pro fights on his record, the American-born Sydney resident is the rare opponent who’s nearly as experienced as Hallman, a veteran of 81 bouts.

Earlier in the day, White announced that verbal agreements are in for a UFC 133 battle between two of the most exciting fighters in the middleweight division. “After three straight Fight of the Night performances, Yoshihiro Akiyama will take on former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort August 6 in Philadelphia,” he said.

McDonald Meets Pace at 133 updated April 12
Bantamweight phenom Michael McDonald is back this summer to take on Staten Island’s Nick Pace at UFC 133.

“Coming off an incredible Fight Of The Night win, top prospect Michael McDonald returns to the Octagon to face another exciting up-and-comer, Nick Pace, as they have verbally agreed to face each other in a bantamweight bout at UFC 133,” said UFC President Dana White.

Also on that card, BJJ specialist Rafael Natal and Japanese grappler Riki Fukuda have agreed to a middleweight matchup.

Rivera Finally Gets Sakara at 133 updated April 12
“Better late than never, verbal agreements are in for what should be an action-packed match between Alessio Sakara and Jorge Rivera at UFC 133,” said UFC president Dana White today.

The two middleweights were originally scheduled to meet at UFC 122 in Oberhausen, Germany but Sakara had to pull out due to illness. Details on UFC 133, which will take place in August 2011, will be announced soon.

This August in Philadelphia, veteran Ivan Menjivar will look to follow-up his crushing UFC 129 knockout of Charlie Valencia with a win over hot 135-pound prospect Nick Pace.

“Bantamweights Ivan Menjivar and Nick Pace have agreed to fight each other August 6, at UFC 133 in Philadelphia,” said UFC President Dana White. “Menjivar is coming off a devastating elbow KO win and Pace utilized a rarely seen type of submission to secure the victory in his last outing.”

Mauler vs. Janitor Confirmed for UFC 133
Two light heavyweights coming off of impressive performances have verbally agreed to meet at UFC 133 – Dana White confirmed today that Swede Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson will take on Belarusian newlywed Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko.

Brown vs. Phan Set for UFC 133 Showdown updated May 11
Always exciting Mike Brown will look to get back in the win column at UFC 133 on August 6th in Philadelphia when he takes on The Ultimate Fighter 12’s Nam Phan.

“Former featherweight champ Mike Brown and Nam Phan have both verbally
agreed to fight August 6th in Philadelphia,” said UFC President Dana White.

Pierce gets Hendricks in UFC 133 Bout
It’s an all-wrestling showdown as Mike Pierce meets Johny Hendricks in a welterweight bout this August.

“Powerhouse wrestlers collide as verbal agreements are in for Mike Pierce vs. Johny Hendricks in Philadelphia August 6th,” said UFC President Dana White.

Evans Battles “Mr. Wonderful” at UFC 133 updated April 25

With UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones currently sidelined by injury, number one contender Rashad Evans will step back into the Octagon to risk his title shot against unbeaten and dangerous Phil Davis at UFC 133 in Philadelphia.
 
“Undefeated ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Phil Davis has verbally agreed to face former UFC world light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans in Philadelphia on August 6,” said UFC President Dana White. Evans was originally supposed to face new champ Jon ‘Bones’ Jones but Jones is unable to compete due to injury.”

Little Nog vs. Franklin in Philly updated April 21
Two more big names have signed on for UFC 133 August 6 in Philadelphia.

“Verbal agreements are in for what should be an amazing fight as former Pride superstar Rogerio ‘Minotoro’ Nogueira will take on former UFC World Middleweight Champion Rich ‘Ace’ Franklin in a light heavyweight bout,” said UFC president Dana White.

Belfort-Akiyama, Hallman-Ebersole at 133 updated April 21
A welterweight matchup has been verbally agreed to between Brian “Bad Boy” Ebersole and Dennis “Superman” Hallman at UFC 133 in Philadelphia, said UFC president Dana White. Ebersole opened eyes when he joined the UFC on short notice against Chris Lytle at UFC 127 and won. With 62 pro fights on his record, the American-born Sydney resident is the rare opponent who’s nearly as experienced as Hallman, a veteran of 81 bouts.

Earlier in the day, White announced that verbal agreements are in for a UFC 133 battle between two of the most exciting fighters in the middleweight division. “After three straight Fight of the Night performances, Yoshihiro Akiyama will take on former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort August 6 in Philadelphia,” he said.

McDonald Meets Pace at 133 updated April 12
Bantamweight phenom Michael McDonald is back this summer to take on Staten Island’s Nick Pace at UFC 133.

“Coming off an incredible Fight Of The Night win, top prospect Michael McDonald returns to the Octagon to face another exciting up-and-comer, Nick Pace, as they have verbally agreed to face each other in a bantamweight bout at UFC 133,” said UFC President Dana White.

Also on that card, BJJ specialist Rafael Natal and Japanese grappler Riki Fukuda have agreed to a middleweight matchup.

Rivera Finally Gets Sakara at 133 updated April 12
“Better late than never, verbal agreements are in for what should be an action-packed match between Alessio Sakara and Jorge Rivera at UFC 133,” said UFC president Dana White today.

The two middleweights were originally scheduled to meet at UFC 122 in Oberhausen, Germany but Sakara had to pull out due to illness. Details on UFC 133, which will take place in August 2011, will be announced soon.

Bart Palaszewski is out of his UFC 130 bout with Gleison Tibau due to injury, said Dana White today. Coming off a four-fight win streak, Rafaello “Tractor” Oliveira has verbally agreed to make his UFC return and face Tibau in a lightweight battle of Brazilian-born BJJ black belts.

Palaszewski was originally slated to fight TUF standout Cody McKenzie, but an injury sidelined the guilliotine specialist two weeks ago.

Danzig Injured, Cowboy to Welcome Rocha to UFC updated May 17
Mac Danzig has had to pull out of UFC 131 with an injury, Dana White confirmed today. Making his UFC debut on short notice, 6-1 BJJ black belt Vagner Rocha has verbally agreed to replace Danzig in the June 4 bout against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone.

Heavyweight Changes Continue on UFC 131 Card updated May 13
With yesterday’s announcement that Shane Carwin will replace Brock Lesnar in the UFC 131 main event against Junior dos Santos, there have been some changes to the June 11th card in Vancouver.

Carwin’s original opponent on the card, Jon Olav Einemo, will now face fellow newcomer Dave “Pee Wee” Herman, and Herman’s original foe, Joey Beltran, will take on UFC debutant Aaron Rosa in bouts verbally agreed to today.

Carwin replaces Lesnar against dos Santos update May 12
After fighting his way back from a severe 2009 bout with diverticulitis to successfully defend his UFC heavyweight title against Shane Carwin last July before losing the belt to Cain Velasquez, Brock Lesnar has been forced out of his UFC 131 main event against Junior dos Santos after being stricken once again with the intestinal ailment.

UFC President Dana White revealed the news on a media teleconference Thursday afternoon.

Stepping in for Lesnar to face dos Santos will be Carwin, the former interim UFC heavyweight champion, on the June 11th event in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Carwin was originally scheduled to face Jon Olav Einemo on the UFC 131 card.

Lesnar and dos Santos have been competing against each other as coaches on season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter reality series on Spike TV.

Pokrajac in for Perosh vs. K-Sos updated May 10
A third fight card in two days has changed due to fighter injury –  Australia’s Anthony Perosh is unable to compete in his scheduled UFC 131 scrap against Krzysztof Soszynski, Dana White announced today. Igor Pokrajac has verbally agreed to face Soszynski instead at the June 11 Vancouver event.

Edgar-Maynard III Postponed; Rampage-Hamill Headlines 130 updated May 9
The highly-anticipated third bout between UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and number one contender Gray Maynard will have to wait a little longer, as it was announced today that both fighters have suffered injuries in training camp that will take them out of the UFC 130 main event on May 28th.

Stepping up into the UFC 130 main event slot is the bout between former UFC light heavyweight champ Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Matt “The Hammer” Hamill, and moving to the Pay-Per-View card will be the Thiago Alves vs. Rick Story welterweight showdown.

McKenzie Out, Tibau in at UFC 130 updated May 5
TUF 12’s Cody McKenzie is out of his UFC 130 fight with Bart Palaszewski due to injury. UFC president Dana White confirmed tonight that Gleison Tibau, fresh off of a win over Kurt Pellegrino, has verbally agreed to replace him in the lightweight bout.

Yahya Out, Poirier Gets Brit for 131 updated May 3
Rani Yahya has withdrawn from his UFC 131 bout against Dustin Poirier due to injury, UFC president Dana White confirmed today. Stepping in for Yahya will be English striking ace Jason Young, making his UFC debut. Poirier has a dangerous stand-up arsenal of his own and is pegged by many to be a top prospect to watch at featherweight.

McDonald in for Kid against Cariaso updated April 27
Bantamweight phenom Michael McDonald is stepping in on short notice to face Chris Cariaso at UFC 130.

“Kid Yamamoto has withdrawn from his May 28th bout vs Chris Cariaso due to injury,” said UFC President Dana White. “In his place will be UFC’s youngest fighter and one of it’s most exciting, Michael McDonald, who is coming off a recent Fight of The Night performance. Chris Cariaso carries a great record of his own with a fast style and he plans on cementing his place in the bantamweight division with a win over the highly touted prospect. Both have verbally agreed to the fight.”

Barao-Escovedo Set for UFC 130 updated April 20
WEC veteran Cole Escovedo, the organization’s first featherweight champ, will make his UFC debut at bantamweight against top Brazilian prospect Renan Barao at UFC 130, as the two have verbally agreed to the matchup.
 
Barao looks to continue his astounding 28-fight unbeaten streak against Escovedo, who’s known for being an incredible finisher. Barao was originally scheduled to fight Demetrious Johnson – earlier this week, Johnson replaced an injured Brad Pickett on the same card.

Mighty Mouse in for Injured Pickett vs. Torres updated April 20
UFC president Dana white announced that Brit bantamweight Brad Pickett has suffered an injury, forcing him to withdraw from his May 28th bout against Miguel Torres at UFC 130.

“The fastest man in the division has answered the call, and Demetrious Johnson will move into Pickett’s spot to face the former divisional kingpin,” said White. “Both men have verbally agreed to the fight.”

Johnson was originally slated to fight rising prospect Renan Barao on the same date; Barao’s new opponent will be announced shortly.

TUF Alumni Back in the Octagon updated April 11
TUF 11 star Nick “The Promise” Ring will meet James Head in Vancouver on June 11.
“Seven-and-one James Head is coming off an impressive victory over UFC
veteran Gerald Harris and has verbally agreed to make his UFC debut
against the undefeated Canadian middleweight Ring,” he said.

McKenzie to face Palaszewski at UFC 130 updated April 10
The master of the McKenzietine, TUF 12 alum Cody McKenzie, will get a tough test on May 28 in Las Vegas when he squares off against WEC vet Bart Palaszewski in a UFC 130 lightweight bout that was verbally agreed to today.

McGee Out, Weidman in at UFC 131 updated April 5
An injury has forced Court McGee to withdraw from his UFC 131 bout in Vancouver. “Undefeated Chris Weidman, who was impressive defeating Alessio Sakara in his UFC debut, has verbally agreed to step in against tough Canadian Jesse Bongfeldt,” said Dana White.

“Pee Wee” vs. “The Mexicutioner” at UFC 131 updated March 31
UFC President Dana White announced another heavyweight matchup for June’s UFC 131 card. “20-2 Heavyweight Dave “Pee-Wee” Herman has verbally agreed to make his UFC debut against hard hitting Joey Beltran June 11th in Vancouver,” said White.

Carwin Returns to Face Newcomer Einemo at UFC 131 updated March 23
UFC President Dana White announced today that Colorado KO king Shane Carwin is expected to make his long awaited return to the Octagon on June 11th against newcomer Jon Olav Einemo.

“Submission wrestling champion Jon Olav Einemo has verbally agreed to make his UFC debut against former UFC interim heavyweight champion Shane Carwin at UFC 131 in Vancouver,” said White. “Carwin is an incredibly tough UFC debut for anyone but Einemo’s camp loves the style matchup.”

Carwin had a roller coaster 2010, winning the interim heavyweight crown with a first round knockout of Frank Mir in March, yet falling short of winning the undisputed crown as he was submitted in the second round of a back and forth war with Brock Lesnar. After undergoing surgery to heal some nagging injuries, he will be back at UFC 131 to take on Einemo, a 6-foot-6 jiu-jitsu black belt who has won six of his seven pro bouts, with the only loss a 2006 defeat in PRIDE to Fabricio Werdum.

Edwards/Stout, Cerrone/Danzig updated March 14

Two thrilling lightweight bouts have been added to the summer lineup featuring TUF stars pitted against WEC favorites who’ve had success so far in the UFC.

“Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone and TUF 6 winner Mac Danzig have verbally agreed to meet in what should by a non-stop action fight at UFC 131 in Vancouver,” said White. He also confirmed a bout between two UFC veterans on that same card: “Yves Edwards VS Sam Stout, a matchup of top lightweight strikers has been verbally agreed to.”

Bantamweights Take Vegas updated March 12th:

The bantamweights will be out in force in Las Vegas this spring, as intriguing 135-pound matchups have been verbally agreed to for the UFC 130 card.

At UFC 130, which takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, two of the division’s top rising stars will meet when speedster Demetrious Johnson takes on Brazilian phenom Renan Barao. Johnson is coming off a career-best win over Kid Yamamoto at UFC 126, and Barao’s stellar win streak, which includes back-to-back WEC victories, speaks for itself.

“One of the fastest men in the sport, Demetrious Johnson, and Renan Barao, with an incredible 27 fight unbeaten streak, have both verbally agreed to fight at UFC 130 on May 28th in Las Vegas,” said UFC President Dana White.

Also on the UFC 130 card, Japanese star Yamamoto returns in search of his first UFC win when he faces off against Chris Cariaso.

UFC 131 Card Shapes Up updated March 12th

Also, four bouts on the UFC 131 fight card have been verbally agreed to, including a matchup of rising middleweights:

* Mark Munoz vs. Demian Maia
“Heavy handed Mark Munoz will take on Demian Maia, one of the top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts in MMA,” says UFC president Dana White.

* Anthony Perosh vs. Krzysztof Soszynski

* Jesse Bongfeldt vs. Court McGee

* Darren Elkins vs. Michihiro Omigawa (at featherweight)

UFC 131 will take place June 11th in Vancouver. More details about UFC 131 including ticket information will be announced soon.