Hector Lombard To Duel with Tim Boetsch At UFC 149

Hector Lombard is set to make his UFC debut at the upcoming UFC 149 event. He will now face Tim ‘The Barbarian’ Boetsch, who was originally set to fight Michael Bisping, who was forced to withdraw from the event after suffering from an injury.

Brian Stann Withdraws from UFC on FOX 4 Due to Injury

Brian Stann is forced to withdraw from his scheduled middleweight headliner against UFC newcomer and former Bellator champ Hector Lombard in the upcoming UFC on FOX 4 event, due to a shoulder injury.

Anderson Silva: Won’t Likely Fight Until Early 2012

According to manager, Ed Soares, Anderson Silva’s injured shoulder would most likely keep the middleweight champ on the sidelines until early next year.

The fighter afflicted his shoulder during his training for UFC 134 against Yushin Okami. And while his camp feared that Anderson Silva might need to go surgery, Ed Soares cleared out that the fighter just need to rehab his shoulders to recuperate.

Ed Soares also hoped that Anderson Silva will be able to defend his title again in the first quarter of 2012. However, no opponent has been set yet for the fighter’s return. But fans could get some answers following Chael Sonnen and Brian Stann’s match for UFC 136.

Chael Sonnen, Returning from Exile at UFC 136 Against Brian Stann

Last Wednesday night, UFC President – Dana White – confirmed that Chael Sonnen will finally end his 14-month exile at UFC 136 against Brian Stann.

Chael Sonnen was put on the sidelines following his middleweight battle against reigning champ, Anderson Silva, at UFC 117 last August 2010. His post-fight drug test resulted to positive when his urine sample came back with high testosterone-to-estrogen level. Eventually, the California State Athletic Commission shortened Chael Sonnen’s one year suspension to six months. However, due to misleading statements to the commission, CSAC gave the middleweight fighter an indefinite suspension. UFC also froze Chael Sonnen’s contract while working on his money laundering case.

Fear and Excitement is Chris Leben’s Motivation for UFC 132

Through the years, Chris Leben had his own share of ups and downs both professionally and personally. However, he remained candid about the mistakes he committed and his ways to correct them.

His last fight against Brian Stann gave him a devastating loss on his record. Chris Leben was a favorite during that time, and he was also carrying a three-fight win streak to the bout. Still, mistakes were done. But being the reflective fighter that he was, Chris Leben admitted that he probably took his opponent lightly. He also pointed out his diet, and that the rough weight cut didn’t help his cause at all.

And now that his last fight is put behind, Chris Leben can now focus on the task ahead — former PRIDE champion, Wanderlei Silva.

Brian Stann will Definitely Not Coach on TUF 14

With the pairing stint of Chael Sonnen and Michael Bisping for TUF 14 already scrapped, speculations arose on who’s going to fill the empty coaching spot. While UFC remained mum on whether Michael Bisping will coach on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, several names has been put forward as The Count’s potential rival. For one, there is Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller and there’s also Brian Stann.

However, UFC President – Dana White – immediately ruled out the possibility of Brian Stann taking one of the coaching slots. On the other hand, there were also denials about Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller’s inclusion in the show. But with his personality and previous television work with Bully Beatdown on MTV, Mayhem looks attractive for the role. Many also thought that he can “annoy the hell out of Michael Bisping” should he become one of the TUF 14 coaches. However, Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller is currently scheduled to face Aaron Simpson at UFC 132 this July.

Jorge Santiago Returns to UFC Against Brian Stann

Once again, UFC 130: Edgar vs Maynard 3 becomes official with six bouts. Last Wednesday, the promotion ratified a middleweight tilt between Brian Stann and Jorge Santiago.

Brian Stann was originally slated to face Wanderlei Silva at UFC 130: Edgar vs Maynard 3. However, the later was vocal with his refusal to fight against the American fan favorite. Hence, the UFC tapped Jorge Santiago – whose services to the promotion was recently reacquired – to fight in lieu of Wanderlei Silva.

The UFC 130 will feature a trilogy fight against Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard, and will kick off on May 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In addition to this, a light heavyweight clash pitting Rampage Jackson and Matt Hamill is also scheduled for the show. Skycraper, Stefan Struve, will meet Travis Browne, and Roy Nelson will lock horns with Frank Mir in a heavyweight tourney.

UFC 130 Taking Shape

After booking almost all major events through UFC 129, UFC matchmakers, Joe Silva and Sean Shelby, once again set the main card for UFC 130. Set to take action on May 28, UFC 130 will be headlined by a third fight between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard.

As fans can recall, Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard recently greenlit UFC 125, wherein Frankie Edgar tried to defend his lightweight championship belt against Gray Maynard. However, the fight ended with a draw, prompting officials to book the third meeting.

UFC 125: Resolution Predictions

Christmas is all over, and year 2010 will end in just a couple of days. Here at Fighting Insider, we know that fans are planning to welcome 2011 with a bang. Audience and viewers will definitely feel the explosion at MGM Grand Garden Arena, as Frankie Edgar brings his Lightweight championship belt on the line. That being said, Fighting Insider will be giving its fearless forecast on the UFC 125 main card.

Clay Guida vs Takanori Gomi

Though Takanori Gomi swings hammers whenever he throws his punches, it is possible that Clay Guida is aware of it. Guida is well-rounded enough to bag a unanimous decision win from this event, depending on the mentality that he’ll bring. But if he’ll strike for whatever reason, Gomi will definitely land something huge on him, and it might result to Technical Knock Out or Knock Out.

Nate Diaz vs Dong Hyun Kim

This fight will focus on how Nate Diaz evolved during his stay under the UFC banner. And despite being a dark horse for the title shot, he will probably land a TKO on round two or three against Don Hyun Kim.

Brandon Vera vs Thiago Silva

It’s been a long and rocky road for Brandon Vera. This time, one more loss and he will have his three-fight losing streak. And it is a general notion that a three-fight losing streak makes a fighter expendable from UFC. Unfortunately, it seems like Thiago Silva is too much for Brandon Vera to take. Simply put, Thiago Silva will win by unanimous decision.

Chris Leben vs Brian Stann

Brian Stann is a step backwards compared to the talent that Chris Leben has been executing lately. However, Stann’s ambidextrous and powerful arms is something for Leben to worry about. That being said, a loss to Stann can be the worst thing that can happen to him, since Anderson Silva pound his face during his UFC debut. But despite all that pressure, The Crippler will probably land a KO in round one.

Frankie Edgar vs Gray Maynard

This is the most difficult match-up to predict! Frankie Edgar was able to beat BJ Penn twice. And fans know very well that BJ Penn is one tough fighter. On the other hand, Gray Maynard is an unbeaten contender. And taking both matters at hand into consideration, the UFC 125: Resolution is definitely going to be a war. Both fighters will go five rounds, and audience can expect big takedowns, slams and striking at an amazing pace. But if Maynard didn’t show up in a monster form, Edgar’s uncanny cardio can be his best ally and it might help him land a unanimous decision.

Got your own UFC 125 prediction? Share it by leaving a comment.

UFC 125: Resolution – Lineup, Schedule and More

Here at Fighting Insider, the people are busy wrapping their gifts for the holiday season. But more than, we are also excited for the upcoming rematch of Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard on New Year’s day. But before you place your bets* on your favorite fighters, check out the UFC 125: Resolution details after the jump.