UFC 89 : Bisping vs Leben
Birmingham, England - 18/10/2008
Michael Bisping vs Chris Leben - Middleweight
In an exclusive interview with MMABay recently, Michael "The Count" Bisping told us that he hopes that his "curse of the main events" doesn't become a reality, having lost his first and only headline fight to date. If he hadn't lost his previous headline fight with Rashad Evans, a fight many people thought he won, Michael would still be undefeated inside the Octagon. Now following his drop to middleweight, Bisping is keen to show the world, that he deserves his headline spot. Both fighters are predominantly strikers, and even though Bisping has never been KO'd, many believe Leben to have the stronger chin. In the same interview, Bisping told us that he feels he has the far more technical striking ability rather than just relying on KO power. With two fighters with such strong stand up, so much durability and SO much heart, the main event on the 18th of October promises to be one for the history books.
Keith Jardine vs Brandon Vera - Light Heavyweight
Following his loss to Wanderlei Silva at UFC 84, Keith Jardine is looking to redeem himself against Brandon "The Truth" Vera. “The Dean of Mean” himself suffered his first loss since he had his hand raised against Chuck Liddell at UFC 76. Brandon Vera avenged his 2 fight losing streak against Reese Andy at UFC: Silva vs Irvin, and hopes to add another one to the win column.
Rameau Sokoudjou vs Luiz Cane - Light Heavyweight
Sokoudjou came into the UFC with only one loss, and unfortunately his first opponent came in the shape of the undefeated Lyoto Machida. The Judo champions latest win came at UFC 84: Ill Will against Kazuhiro Nakamura. His latest challenge is Luiz Cane. A fighter many believe to be a force to be reckoned with at 205. He has dynamite in his hands, and delivered a highlight reel KO against Jason Lambert at UFC 85 in London.
Paul Taylor vs Chris Lytle - Welterweight
“Relentless” Paul Taylor will be looking to push his UFC win rate past 50% against Chris Lytle. The England native comes into this fight having won a very close decision against Jess Liaudin at UFC 85. UFC veteran, Chris “Lights Out” Lytle, comes to UK shores the victim of one of the most dominant defeats in UFC history. With all but one of Lytle’s winning fight stoppages coming by submission, this could very well become the classic striker vs grappler match up. A notable point to mention is that despite Taylor’s excellent striking skills, 5 out of 7 of Lytle’s losses came by decision. Going the distance with Matt Serra, Matt Hughes and even “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler. His toughness was perfectly showcased in his fight against Josh Koscheck, taking a beating all three rounds.
Paul Kelly vs Marcus Davis - Welterweight
The opening fight on the main card is Liverpool’s Paul Kelly vs Marcus Davis. Kelly’s professional MMA record is 8-0, including a win over his fellow countryman Paul Kelly, a fight which won fight of the night. Davis also holds a victory over Taylor, and his only defeat in the last 2 years came on UK shores at the hands of Mike “Quick” Swick.
Dan Hardy vs Akihiro Gono - Welterweight
The last fight on the under card is the UFC debut of Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy. He faces off against veteran Japanese fighter Akihiro Gono. Hardy’s first fight in the UFC will be a hell of a tough fight, despite his dominance in other promotions as Gono has fought at a much higher level, and has already fought inside the Octagon.
Shane Carwin vs Christian Wellisch - Heavyweight
Shane Carwin is an unbeaten fighter, and defeated Christian Wellisch at UFC 84 via KO at 44 seconds in the first round. He squares off against unbeaten British heavyweight Neil Wain, who was supposed to be fighting at UFC 85.
Jess Liaudin vs David Bielkheden - Lightweight
Jess Liaudin fights at 155 for the first time in the UFC, having dropped down following his decision loss to Paul Taylor at UFC 85 in London. He will be fighting Swedish lightweight David Bielkheden. This will be David’s first time back in the Octagon following a loss to Diego Sanchez at UFC 82.
Sam Stout vs Terry Etim - Lightweight
Sam “Hands of Stone” Stout will be looking to get himself back in the game, following a disappointing decision loss to Rich “No Love” Clementi at UFC 83. And doing so against an opponent such as Liverpool’s Terry Etim is no easy task. This will be Etim’s 4th fight inside the Octagon and despite having only won one, he went the distance with Rich Clementi and lightweight title contender Gleison Tibau.
David Baron vs Jim Miller - Lightweight
David Baron is an impressive fighter with a record to match, winning 16 fights, and losing only 2. He is also coming into his UFC debut well travelled, having fought in CWFC, Shooto and Pride. His opponent is fellow UFC debutant Jim Miller, a man whose record is also rather impressive. Winning 11 out of 12, and being two time CFFC lightweight champ?
Per Eklund vs Samy Schiavo - Lightweight
Per Eklund is looking to take his UFC record to 1-1 following a loss in his UFC debut against Sam Stout. His opponent comes in the form of Samy Schiavo, the Frenchman who lost to Clay Guida via a first round TKO at UFC Fight Night: Florian vs Lauzon.
