MMA Madness

The long-rumored merger between the WEC and UFC could happen in early 2010. Reports tell that the UFC is adding new weight classes in 2010, which could be a precursor to a merger.

(UPDATED) GracieMag.com posted at 3:18PST that Renzo is denying he will be fighting in January. It states he will be focused on his cousin, Rolles’, UFC debut at that time. Renzo does go on to say, “My relationship with the UFC is excellent. Something will happen.” No confirmation, but it sounds like something, even if it’s not UFC 109, is in the works.

Rumors have circulated the last couple of days that Renzo Gracie will take on Matt Hughes this February at UFC 109. Heavy.com claims that both fighters have been offered the fight, though no contracts have been signed. If the match does come to fruition it would give Renzo the change to avenge his second-cousin, Royce’s, 2006 loss against Hughes at UFC 60.

Heavyweight contenders Cain Velasquez and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira are rumored to take on each other at UFC 108. The fight was first reported by the Web site Tatame and later confirmed by MMA Weekly.

Kimbo Slice and Houston Alexander will square off at the TUF 10 finale. The fighters will meet at a 215lb catchweight, the first time in Slice’s career that he will cut from heavyweight.

The Ultimate Fight Night 20 card is slowly filling out with another potential bout in the works. Sources close to MMA Madness are reporting that fight negotiations between Tim Credeur and Mike Massenzio are in progress for a possible UFN 20 date.

“The California Kid” Urijah Faber (22-3) is set to make his return to the cage at WEC 46 against featherweight Raphael Assuncao (14-1) as both fighters have verbally agreed to the bout.

UFC 106 has gotten a new co-main event. MMA Junkie is reporting that Josh Koscheck and Anthony Johnson will fight in Las Vegas.

Jon Fitch announced through his Facebook page that a fight that fans wanted to see would be announced soon, when Ricardo Almeida had to pull out due to a knee injury. He wasn’t kidding. Sources have confirmed to MMA Junkie that Fitch will take on Thiago Alves at UFC 107.

Multiple sources are reporting that bantamweight contenders Takeya Mizugaki and Damacio Page will face each other at WEC 45. The winner of this bout will position themselves for a potential title shot.

In their first meeting, Nate Diaz submitted Gray Maynard to earn a spot on “The Ultimate Fighter” finals. MMA Weekly is reporting that two may headline the Ultimate Fight 20 card.