The news was revealed by MMAWeekly.com after learning of the situation from a source close to the Las Vegas based promotion. The bout will be for the interim UFC bantamweight title.

The short list of candidates to face “The California Kid” includes Brazilian starlet Renan Barão, top young prospect Michael McDonald and Canadian veteran Ivan Menjivar. Stay tuned to MMABay for more build-up to this one as we get it.

By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)

Why not tell us what you think about this story and get your thoughts featured in this week’s edition of MMABay Radio? Email Mailbag@mmabay.co.uk, start the subject with the word ‘RADIO MAILBAG’ and we’ll talk about our favourites on the next show.

The news was revealed by Natal himself when he posted it via his Twitter account. It is thought bout agreements are in place on both sides.

Natal came up short in his octagon debut, losing to Rich Attonito in September 2010. A draw against Jesse Bongfeldt followed only for him to pick up back-to-back wins over Paul Bradley and Michael Kuiper.

Craig made an impressive start to his octagon career in March when he debuted on the UFC on FX 2 card in Sydney, Australia. He picked up a unanimous decision win over Kyle Noke on the night.

By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)

Why not tell us what you think about this story and get your thoughts featured in this week’s edition of MMABay Radio? Email Mailbag@mmabay.co.uk, start the subject with the word ‘RADIO MAILBAG’ and we’ll talk about our favourites on the next show.

The Russian news site Rianovosti quoted Fedor as saying:

“I think it’s time to call it a day. This fight may be my last one.”

Fedor has won his last two fights since his three-fight setback under the Strikeforce banner, defeating Jeff Monson and Satoshi Ishii to close out 2011. Prior to that he’d lost to Fabricio Werdum, Antonio “Big Foot” Silva and Dan Henderson. He’ll face Pedro Rizzo on July 21^st in St. Petersburg, Russia.

By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)

Why not tell us what you think about this story and get your thoughts featured in this week’s edition of MMABay Radio? Email Mailbag@mmabay.co.uk, start the subject with the word ‘RADIO MAILBAG’ and we’ll talk about our favourites on the next show.

Speaking via Buddah Sport, Guillard said:

“I still think I’m sitting pretty good. I’m ranked number 10 right now. I was ranked number five. When you look at our division it’s so stacked so you don’t see too many five and six fight win streaks against the top guys. So I think any the top guys deserve a shot at the belt at some point. There’s no dominate guy in our weight class anymore at all, there’s too much talent. I’m content with what’s going on. You know you just have to keep working hard and keep training and keep on getting better. The more time I put in it just puts me closer to my goal and that’s being the champion. I believe I can be champion at 155. There’s no point for me to run to another weight class, I’m gonna be champion at 155.”

Guillard has lost back-to-back fights inside the octagon to Joe Lauzon and Jim Miller and will now be looking to put himself back in title contention. Prior to that he’d strung together a series of wins but maybe took his eye off the bal when he switched Greg Jackson’s camp for the Blackzilians. He’ll take on Fabricio Camoes at UFC 148 on July 7^th in Las Vegas, Nevada.

By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)

Why not tell us what you think about this story and get your thoughts featured in this week’s edition of MMABay Radio? Email Mailbag@mmabay.co.uk, start the subject with the word ‘RADIO MAILBAG’ and we’ll talk about our favourites on the next show.

The news was first reported by TheScore.com earlier today. It is thought verbal agreements are in place on both sides.

Penner had fought exclusively in Canada prior to this octagon debut, a debut that ended in a first round TKO defeat at the hands of Anthony Perosh on the UFC on FX 2 card in early March. Prior to that he’d been riding an eight-fight winning streak.

DeBlass is coming off a majority decision loss on his promotional debut against French veteran, Cyrille Diabate just last month. Following the fight he decided to drop down from 205 pounds to begin a new career at middleweight, but it seems he’s gone back on that decision.

By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)

Why not tell us what you think about this story and get your thoughts featured in this week’s edition of MMABay Radio? Email Mailbag@mmabay.co.uk, start the subject with the word ‘RADIO MAILBAG’ and we’ll talk about our favourites on the next show.