(“So then Frodo was all like ‘Give me back the ring!’ and I was all like ‘No way, dude!’ Anyways, long story short, the sumbitch burned me. He burned me bad.” Photo via Getty.)
After unveiling that the next season of The Ultimate Fighter would feature a head-scratching, perhaps even nonsensical coaching matchup, the UFC Tonight gang actually hinted at and/or confirmed a few matchups that fans might actually give two shits about. It’s called progress, you guys. All three of these fights are being pegged for UFC on FOX 9, which goes down in Sacramento, California on December 14th, so let’s start with the only matchup to be confirmed last night.
Currently riding an impressive three-fight win streak, Urijah Faber will be facing an incredibly tough challenge in Michael “Mayday” McDonald at the aforementioned event. Both men are coming off wins over Yuri Alcantara and Brad Pickett, respectively, at Fight Night: Sonnen vs. Shogun. Fun fact: This four fight stretch marks the longest Faber has gone without receiving a title shot of some kind (or defending a title) since his first five fights as a professional. Dude’s like the Mick Jagger of MMA.
In other, more tentative fight booking news…
UFC Tonight also hinted that the promotion is currently trying to book the lightweight title fight between Anthony Pettis and T.J. Grant for UFC on FOX 9 as well. The matchup hinders on whether or not Pettis’ knee will be healed up from the sprain he suffered in his title-winning effort over Ben Henderson at UFC 164 last month. All the signs seem to indicate that Pettis will be ready to go in a matter of weeks, so look forward to seeing this bout top what is already looking like another spectacular UFC on FOX card. The fight will also be Grant’s first since withdrawing from his fight with Bendo due to injury and being replaced by, you guessed it, Anthony Pettis. Let’s hope these two can stay healthy.
Additionally, a bout between Travis Browne and Stipe Miocic is also being put together for the December card. Browne is fresh off a come-from-behind KO victory over Alistair Overeem, also at Fight Night 26, whereas Miocic most recently bounced back from his first career loss with a three round beatdown of Roy Nelson at UFC 161. The only outside factor preventing this fight from being confirmed is that of the indefinite medical suspension Browne received after allegedly cutting his foot on Overeem’s glass chin (allegedly). Browne will need to be cleared for by an orthopedist and opthamologist before he can be given the go-ahead against Miocic.
Who do you like for this trio of sure-to-be-slugfests, Nation?