A rumored match-up between UFC light-heavyweights Antônio Rogério “Lil Nog” Nogueira (19-3) and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (30-8) has been put to rest by UFC president Dana White.
White spoke to the press at today’s UFC 116 pre-fight press conference saying that the rumors were false, and he noted that the UFC has no opponent in mind for Jackson, a former UFC light-heavyweight champion.
“It’s not true, we don’t have anything set up yet,” White said. “With that division right now, Little Nog could fight Rampage, Rampage could fight Machida. There’s a lot of fights we could make and we haven’t made any decisions on that fight.”
Asked if Nogueira-Jackson is being seriously considered by the UFC, White held his cards to the vest.
“We’re looking at all of them,” he said. “Time-wise, Rampage is still promoting the [A-Team] movie overseas, so we’re trying to figure out what the next fight will be.”
White was also asked about the current UFC light-heavyweight champions status, noting that Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will likely return in 2011 to face top contender Rashad Evans. “Shogun” has gone under knee surgery for an injury he suffered in his title win over former champ Lyoto Machida at UFC 113.
“Shogun’s great, his knee’s coming along great, it’s all good,” said White. “He probably won’t fight till next March.”
HT: MMAFighting.com