After their epic fight at UFC 104 and the following controversial decision that caused a lot of fans, fighters and the UFC brass itself to shout themselves hoarse on the final result, the UFC decided to right a wrong and cast both the fighters into a rematch immediately. This brings us to UFC 113: Machida vs Shogun for the UFC light heavyweight title.

Machida, I am sure has tried to close the holes in his game that Shogun exploited really well in their first match and come out better prepared for the rematch. For his part, Shogun knows that the match winning game plan will have to be modified now since Machida has time to work on the things that Shogun brought out.

This is a very intriguing match-up for any MMA fan since all our intrigue is built up around how the game plans for this match will be drawn out and what both fighters will bring to the rematch having seen what the other brings the first time they fought. Although the first match was a close one, for Shogun, the path seems to be clear: use what works from the previous match and find a way to finish Machida – whether on the ground or standing up. No mean task.

For Shogun, the main question to answer will be if he can take the beating from Shogun’s leg kicks or will he be able to get Shogun within striking distance and be able to capitalize …

Probably the best rematch in the near past and certainly the most eagerly awaited bout this year. To top all the history off, here’s the amazing promo video that makes me want to watch this one even more!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Old school fans might remember the picture above as Ultimate Japan. But what is it doing on a website after so many years?

The rumour of the day is that UFC is planning to restart its operations in Japan!! The date is not yet decided but possibilities of it being as soon as next year around the same time is not out of the question.

In a recent interview with the japanese media, Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White made some announcements that included their tentative plans for Japan. Its been more than a year since Dana White announced his interest in Japanese fighters such as Kid Yamamoto, Takanori Gomi and Sakuraba. Add to that the fact that UFC matchmaker Joe Silva is really high on Shinya Aoki, this makes for an interesting news piece indeed!

With both Sengoku and DREAM reportedly not in the best of shape financially, the UFC entrance into Japan could be timed perfectly by around end of year next year.

Another really interesting thing for the UFC to do would be to get ex-PRIDE fighters such as Wanderlei Silva, Rampage Jackson, Antonio Noguiera, Shogun Rua, etc to fight in front of an audience who are already enamoured by them. The platform is all set. The return is awaited.

MMARumours will definitely keep all of you posted on developments as and when they happen.

Right from the start of the match, Evans was not only show boating but also showing great prescence of mind and cage awareness by bobbing in to strike Liddell and moving out immediately. Every time Liddell tried to press Evans in to a compromising position, Evans would circle out and get a few nice strikes in as well. Many people thought Evans might try and take Liddell down, but credit to Evans and Greg Jackson for their gameplan, Evans used his speed to hit and move. The only time Evans got cornered towards the end of the first round, Evans showed that he had some really good striking by tagging Liddell with some nice right hand strikes. Every strike that landed increased Evans’ confidence in himself.

As the second round started, it was evident that Liddell was not able to get his game plan going against Evans’ excellent game plan. When the final seconds finally came, Liddell was going for an uppercut at the same time as Evans went for the overhand right (Liddell’s favorite strike) and caught him straight on the button/ on his chin and knocked Liddell out cold!

Evans shows with this victory that not only is he a legit threat in the 205 pound division, but he is ready for his shot at the title. Evans also silences critics who doubted his ablity when faced with a big name opponent, someone who was a proven top 10 fighter.

The way I see it, Evans should be next in line for the title fight. The only other contender at the same level is Lyoto Machida and although he has been really impressive in his victories, has not really had such a dominant performance against such a big name.

My feeling is that the next fights in the Light Heavyweight division would be
Rashad Evans vs Forrest Griffin and
Lyoto Machida vs the winner of a possible Rampage – Wanderlei or Rampage – Shogun fight.

Click here to view the embedded video.

His arraignment has been scheduled for Thursday with a bail set at $25,000. Holli Griggs, the pregnant woman who suffered a miscarraige due to the collisions, was initially supposed to charge Jackson for the same but apparently the charges have not been brought up by the prosecutor’s office.

This must come as a huge relief for Jackson for a charge like that would have damaged his career no end. Jackson still has to face the charges levied against him before he can think of a potential rematch against Shogun Rua or for that matter, anyone.