Invicta FC 5 to feature Sarah Kaufman debut, two championship bouts
In addition to the release of ratings for the UFC 155 prelims, plenty of other MMA news has broken in the past 24 hours. Let’s take a look at what you may have missed.
Biggest Stories
Junior dos Santos Hoping for Immediate Rematch with Cain Velasquez
Though he was dominated by Cain Velasquez for five rounds at UFC 155, Junior dos Santos would like to have an immediate rubber match and opportunity to reclaim the heavyweight belt (via MMAJunkie.com).
When Velasquez lost the title to Dos Santos, he was forced to win one fight before being granted a rematch. Considering that and Alistair Overeem’s pending return from suspension, it would appear unlikely that Dos Santos will be Velasquez’s next opponent.
Jim Miller Wants a Rematch with Gray Maynard
Coming off of a win over Joe Lauzon at UFC 155, Jim Miller is back in the running for a lightweight title fight. Having recently lost to current champion Benson Henderson, Miller will probably need another big win or two before he gets the call to compete in a 155-pound championship bout.
If it were up to him, Miller would like that big victory to come in a rematch against Gray Maynard (via MMAJunkie.com). Miller was defeated by Maynard in March 2009, though both fighters have come a long way since then.
Commentator Mike Goldberg Explains Reason for Missing UFC 155
Long-time UFC commentator Mike Goldberg was absent from UFC 155. Usually assigned to FX and Fuel TV events, Jon Anik assumed Goldberg’s play-by-play duties.
After a week of swirling rumors, Goldberg revealed that a personal health issue kept him from calling the fights at the final UFC event of 2012 (via MMAFighting.com). Goldberg added that he hopes to return for UFC on Fox 6 in late-January.
Fights Booked
UFC on FX 7 (1/19/2013)
Yuri Alcantara vs. Pedro Nobre (via MMAJunkie.com)
Bellator 90 (2/21/2013)
Rad Martinez vs. Shahbulat Shamhalaev (via MMAJunkie.com)
UFC on Fuel TV 8 (3/3/2013)
Rani Yahya vs. Mizuto Hirota (via MMAJunkie.com)
Marcelo Guimaraes vs. Hyun Gyu Lim (via MMAJunkie.com)
UFC 158 (3/16/2013)
Dan Miller vs. Jordan Mein (via MMAJunkie.com)
Nick Ring vs. Chris Camozzi (via MMAJunkie.com)
John Makdessi vs. Daron Cruickshank (via UFC Canada)
Video of the Day
Whilst cornering girlfriend Rose Namajunas at Invicta FC 4, UFC heavyweight Pay Barry got a little excited (via MMAMadhouse.com).
Photos of the Day
Here are some of the most memorable images from Invicta FC 4, where Carla Esparza defeated Bec Hyatt to become the organization’s first ever strawweight titleholder.
Tweet of the Day
Due to purchasing issues we are giving away #InvictaFC4 for FREE and will issue refunds
— InvictaFights(@InvictaFights) January 6, 2013
Comment of the Day
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com