With regards to Bader/Matyushenko I think it's nothing more than a fight to get Bader back in the win column against a guy he should beat that isn't a complete unknown. I'd admittedly rather see him fight a guy like Brandon Vera or Thiago Silva(if he didn't get suspended again) but I can understand the reasoning for a fight like this.
Ariel Helwani @arielhelwani
As just reported on @UFCTonight, @danawhite told me Barao vs. McDonald is 100% going down in '13 for the interim 135-pound belt. Date TBD.
Think there is enough time to get him an opponent?
Three weeks should be sufficient to find someone to step in, although it may just end up being a squash match for Davis. Maybe they can get Bader to bump up his training camp and take the fight?
Three weeks should be sufficient to find someone to step in, although it may just end up being a squash match for Davis. Maybe they can get Bader to bump up his training camp and take the fight?
Davis v Prado 3. The trilogy we've all been waiting for.
Seriously though, maybe they give someone like Diabete a call. That card is just getting killed by injuries.
Ariel Helwani @arielhelwani:
Apparently UFC Brazil site briefly had a story stating Rousey-Cyborg @ 157, but DW just told me that isn't official & the story is now gone.
It might not happen but that's the type of card I could see them putting the women's title fight on. For some reason Rousey is very popular and she'll probably draw fans. Then you also have Henderson/Machida, Faber, and possibly Diaz on that card to entice the people who don't care for women's MMA to buy the PPV.
Barao/McDonald is another fight they could add to that card. It's expected to take place in early 2013 and we all know it won't sell PPVs on it's own.
Bader and the Janitor makes some sense. Bader's a marketable guy, and while he had two wins prior to the Machida loss, it was devastating, so a gimme is somewhat understandable. Plus with Matyushenko you're getting a name that essentially poses no threat.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gudas
Vinny Magalhaes has been looking for a fight. Wouldn't mind seeing him step in against Davis if he's able.
That wouldn't be bad. Pretty big step up in competition, but with his skills on the ground it would be interesting if Davis chose to keep it standing. Vera healthy? He doesn't seem to cut much weight, and his stock was certainly boosted from the Shogun fight. That fight would be pretty decent.
Mike Chiappetta MMA @MikeChiappetta
UFC announces Ronda Rousey as UFC bantamweight champ. She'll fight Feb 23 in Anaheim vs. Liz Carmouche as main event.
Yes so awesome, not only the first Women's fight in the UFC but also the first time a queer fighter is headlining Will be rooting hard for Liz, make us proud girl.
Will be rooting hard for Liz, make us proud girl. 
