There are several rumored bouts that have yet to make it to confirmed status, so we thought we'd give you a quick rundown on some of the more prominent bouts that are being talked about.
B.J. Penn vs. Diego Sanchez: Seeing as Penn is the UFC lightweight champ, this one tops the list. It is definitely the bout that the UFC wants to put together and that both fighters want, but it always comes down to business. There is definitely a chance of this bout hitting confirmed status soon, but word on the street is that there are still some details to be ironed out and that no bout agreements have gone out, but don't be surprised to see this one top the card at UFC 105 when the UFC returns to Manchester, England.
Michael Bisping vs. Denis Kang: This one is all but a done deal. Bisping is always on the wish list when the UFC heads to England and UFC 105 is no different. Given that this bout makes sense at this point in each fighter's career, expect it to happen. It hasn't been signed off yet, but it should be in the coming days.
Jake Shields vs. Jason "Mayhem" Miller: This one also makes sense. Strikeforce has been hunting for a solid opponent for Jake Shields to face for an interim middleweight title while champion Cung Le is off making movies instead of fighting. And given Strikeforce and Dream recently making their working relationship "official," Dream lending Miller to Strikeforce for an interim title bout makes sense. A little less of a sure bet than the first two, but don't be surprised if and when this becomes official.
Most fight rumors in the MMA world have some basis in fact. But they usually leak out before any contracts have been signed. And any promoter will tell you, it ain't a done deal until there's ink on the paper. That's the case with all the above mentioned fights.
Down to the wire, plans can and often do change. So while there's a strong likelihood on all of these coming to fruition, don't take 'em to the bank just yet.
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