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no1 jobber
10-30-2006, 11:36 PM
Even though we still have UFC 65 and TUF 4 finale coming up, the big wigs in UFC have decided to release a few of the matches to what should be a super stacked card in UFC 66 which will occur on Dec 30, 2006 live at the MGM Garden Arena in LV.

Main Event- LHW Champion: Chuck Liddell (19-3, in UFC 14-2) Vs Tito Ortiz (15-4, in UFC 14-4)

This match needs NO explanation but for a short synopsis; at one time Tito Ortiz was one of the most dominant champs in the UFC as well as one of the most marketable. At the same time Liddell was becoming a hot fighter and a showdown between the two friends was becoming inevitable. Unfortunatly Ortiz claimed that as "friends" they made a "pact" that they would NEVER face each other. Liddell claims that was all bullshit and demanded his title shot but again, unfortunatly for Liddell, Ortiz decided to get into a contract argument with Dana which left him fighting once in 2 years (2001-2003). Dureing that time Liddell got his shot to fight for the interim LHW title UNFORTUNATLY yet again his opponent was former Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture. Couture punished Liddell and became the interim champ. Couture then fought Ortiz and unified the interim and real LHW title. After the title lost Ortiz and Liddell finally got to face each other (without the title) and in the end Liddell KO Ortiz in the second round with his devestating right. After that Ortiz and Dana had a big fight and Ortiz left the UFC while Liddell finally got his gold by beating Couture not once but twice. Now the showdown is set as the eagerly anticipated rematch between two of UFC's best and most marketable fighters square off, Will Ortiz regain his title or will Liddell prove he is the most dominate LHW champion in UFC history?....wow that wasnt as short as I thought.

Andrei Arvloski (9-5, in UFC 7-4) Vs Marcio Cruz (2-1, in UFC 2-1)
This is Arlovski's first fight since losing in a horrible match to current UFC heavyweight champ Sylvia. Arvloski has always been known as a power striker bein able to score the KO blow...but sadly with his recent losses looks like maybe he has a suspecible chin. Marcio "Pe de Pano" Cruz hasnt had a long career in the UFC but he has scored probably one of the biggest upsets by taking out former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir in brutal fashion. As a followup Cruz was set up against Monson and lost in a very close split decision fight. Now Cruz is back to fight another former UFC champion in his first fight back from losing the title...will we see another upset or will Arlovski get back on track

Forrest Griffin (13-3, in UFC 4-1) Vs Keith Jardine (11-2-1, in UFC 3-1)
Griffin is of course the inaugural TUF winner and since his "overhyped" win against Stephan Bonnar he has done very well in the UFC (even gigivng a hell of a performance against Tito Ortiz) and has captured quite abit of a fan base (for a guy that looks so goofy).
Jardine is another TUF alumni who has shown alot of talent post TUF. His only blemish in the UFC was a close lost to Stephan Bonner (in a fight many felt Jardine should have won). Both men are near the top of the lopsided LHW divison and definitly whomever wins will be one match closer to getting a title shot for the covenant LHW title.

Chris Leben (16-2, in UFC 6-1) Vs Jason MacDonald (17-7, in UFC 1-0)
Leben made his mark in the UFC from TUF and since then has been knocking people out left and right with his heavy hands. Leben fell backa few steps by being brutally shut down by now MW champion Anderson Silva, making many question Leben's talent against "real" fighters.
On paper MacDonald looks like a pushover, he's sufferd losses to a whose who of low level fighters in the UFC (Patrick Cote, Kalib Starnes, Shonie Carter, Marvin Eastman) but MacDonald took everyone's attention by beating TUF alumni Ed Herman in rather easy fashion. This is definitly an intresting fight as Leben is a striker against MacDonald who has won 15 of his 17 wins by submission (he took out Herman by a triangle choke)...who comes out on top will definitly take a huge step to challenging new MW champion Anderson Silva.

xSOUTHBAYBADBOYx
10-31-2006, 12:12 AM
isn't dean lister also on the card...against marquardt???

Mr. Brightside
10-31-2006, 12:31 AM
I'm really pulling for Lidell in this one, just because I can't stand Ortiz!

Here's hoping Griffen also picks up the win!

no1 jobber
10-31-2006, 07:39 AM
Lister vs Marquadt hasnt been confirmed yet...but more than likely will happen...

SoCal Tom Walters
10-31-2006, 09:47 AM
UFC just gets worse & worse. Absolutely terrible card. Liddell-Ortiz II won't be any different than the first. The rest of the card is nothing different then what you would see on a KOTC. And I'm sure sport grappler with no standup Dean Lister vs sport grappler with no standup Nathan Marquardt will be a real barn burner as well if that gets added.

no1 jobber
10-31-2006, 11:43 AM
I dont know I think the card is pretty good so far...I like both Jardine and Forrrest...and I am definitly intrested to see how Arlovsky bounces back from losing twice to Sylvia. Also I really do feel like im the only oen who think Tito has more than a chance to take out Liddell.

xSOUTHBAYBADBOYx
10-31-2006, 12:04 PM
na you're not the only one that thinks tito can take out chuck....go tito!!!.....and yeah confirmed it with dean himself...he's fighting marquardt...

SoCal Tom Walters
10-31-2006, 01:44 PM
Tito would destroy Liddell if he wasn't afraid of getting hit in the face. As soon as Liddell lands one big punch Tito will do the SoCal Sprint again and check out mentally. Overall, though Tito is 100 X the athlete Liddell is and shouldn't lose to him.

EDIT: I don't see the point of even using Arlovski anymore. If he beats this dude, what are they gonna make, Arlovski-Sylvia III? Nobody wants to see that shit again. UFC needs to be more like boxing where if you get destroyed in a big fight you are off TV for months and have to work your way back to the "big time". No more of this "lose 2 fights in a row, put you on the next PPV" shit they constantly do.

Unfortunately, people that buy the PPV's are paying for the UFC brand name without even caring what's on it. In boxing, if there are not marquee fighters the PPV does abysmal numbers. Too bad UFC fans are too stupid to figure this out.

no1 jobber
10-31-2006, 05:25 PM
I agree with u to some extent Tom...it is sad to see fighters on a losing streak make their way on PPV shows for a PPV payday when there are other fighters who can usthe exposure...BUT IMO the UFC heavyweight division is so thin that really Dana has no choice but to throw guys like Mir, Arvlosky out there even when they havent performed to their caliber. I think its also the case of name value (they are former champs after all) so its worth giving them a chance. Plus with this match in particular u have the factor thet De Pano already took out a former champ...maybe he can do it again? Rest assured even if Arvlosky does win I HIGHLY doubt we will see Sylvia/Arvlosky IV (its four btw) anytime next year...maybe 2008...dear god hopefully it will not come too that.

SoCal Tom Walters
10-31-2006, 08:46 PM
I agree with u to some extent Tom...it is sad to see fighters on a losing streak make their way on PPV shows for a PPV payday when there are other fighters who can usthe exposure...BUT IMO the UFC heavyweight division is so thin that really Dana has no choice but to throw guys like Mir, Arvlosky out there even when they havent performed to their caliber. I think its also the case of name value (they are former champs after all) so its worth giving them a chance. Plus with this match in particular u have the factor thet De Pano already took out a former champ...maybe he can do it again? Rest assured even if Arvlosky does win I HIGHLY doubt we will see Sylvia/Arvlosky IV (its four btw) anytime next year...maybe 2008...dear god hopefully it will not come too that.

Hahaha, wow I totally forgot about the first Sylvia/Arlovsky fight already, the one Arlovski won. I seriously wouldn't be surprised if they made a 4th though, if Sylvia beats Monson and Arlovski wins this fight. They need some new blood, maybe throw Brandon Vera in there. I am actually rooting for Arlovski cause I am cringing at the prospect of a possible Monson-Cruz HW title fight. I was gonna say they should bring in some Pride B level heavyweights but I'm sure Pride is in the NSAC doghouse after this steroid fiasco.

Justin Crast
11-01-2006, 02:46 PM
Tom is pretty accurate on the Arlovski front. If he's motivated, he'll absolutely thrash Cruz. It's a great match up for Arlovski; Cruz doesn't have great take downs so his jiu-jitsu skills probably won't factor in much, plus his stand up is weak. Cruz had some potential to be built up as a contender but this match will eliminate that. Should just throw Arlovski some major scrubs in order to pad his record before throwing contenders in there to be slaughtered.

I predict Sylvia over Monson and Vera over Mir. Vera will definitely get the next title shot. Not sure who to pick there, though. A motivated and un-injured Arlovski will probably beat one of them back for the belt in a year.

Justin

no1 jobber
11-01-2006, 08:43 PM
A few more matches have been added to UFC 66:

Thiago Alves (9-3, in UFC 3-2) Vs Tony Desouza (10-2, in UFC 3-1)
Thiago "the Pitbull" Alves last fight was at UFN 7 where he scored a dominant win over John Alessio. Tony Desouza made his return to the UFC after five years with a win over Dustin Hazellet at UFN 7 as well. Both fighters will be looking to climb up the rather stacked welterweight division.

Gabriel Gonzaga (6-1, in UFC 2-0) Vs Carmelo Marrero (6-0, in UFC 1-0)
Gonzaga is one of the new heavyweights that the UFC is desperatly trying to push to be a star in the UFC. A practicing BJJ fighter as well as the owner of some heavy hands (as evident with his two KO wins in the UFC) Gonzaga MAY be the real deal.
Marrero was supposed to be an easy win for Cheick Kongo (another young hype for the UFC heavyweight) back at UFC 64...but Marrero had other plans. With simple take downs and a good standup defense Marrero was able to frustrate the young Kongo and get the split decision win. Can Marrero do the same to a ace BJJ fighter like Gonzaga? The winner of this fight will definitly be in line for a heavyweight title shot in the immeidate future..because sadly there is nobody else.

(decided to finally add this one)
Nathan Marquardt (22-6-2, in UFC 3-0) Vs Dean Lister (9-4, in UFC 2-0)
Marquardt is a talented submission fighter that has been impressive so far in his short tenure in the UFC, with many touting him as a future contender. Yet Marquardt has yet to face anyone of a higher level in the UFC.
Lister is of course the super talented submission fighter who just never seemed to get a break in his tenure in PRIDE (after having ahuge 5 fight win steak in the King of the cage promotion). Yet once Lister moved over the UFC he has been impressive in his fights against Alessio Sakaa and Yuki Sasaki. Definitly whoever wins this fight will be in line for a title shot against Silva by the end of next year.

UFC 66 will take place Dec. 30th at the MGM grand in Las Vegas.
Main Event: Lightheavyweight title match: Champion- Chuck Liddell Vs Challenger- Tito Ortiz
Andrei Arlvoski Vs Marcio Cruz
Forrest Griffin Vs Keith Jardine
Chris Leben Vs Jason MacDonald
Tony DeSouza Vs Thiago Alves
Gabriel Gonzaga Vs Carmelo Marrero
Dean Lister Vs Nathan Marquardt

The Loose Cannon
11-01-2006, 10:13 PM
What the, I just noticed something: are PRIDE, K-1, and the UFC all having shows that last weekend of the year? That's crazy.

no1 jobber
11-02-2006, 07:56 AM
Yup AND so will the IFL.

IFL- Championship final 12/29
UFC 66 12/30
K-1 Dynamite 06 12/31
PRIDE Shockwave 06 12/31

Yup new years is becoming fight night for both countries now!

The Loose Cannon
11-02-2006, 01:58 PM
Hmm, are they going to show PRIDE's show on tape delay on the 31st here? I can't remember if that's possibly or not due to the time difference. If not, PRIDE showing on the 1st, on Monday Night against MNF, would be a bad move. However, having to wait until the next weekend would be even worse.

no1 jobber
11-27-2006, 08:56 PM
Final UFC 66 card announced....

Michael Bisping (11-0, in UFC 1-0) Vs Eric Schafer (4-1-2, in UFC 1-0)
Michael "the Count" Bisping is of course the TUF LHW champion from TUF 3 who has been nothing but impressive during the entire show defeating Kristian Rothaermel by TKO in the first and then went on to knock fellow Brit, Ross Pointon with a flying knee before winning the whole thing with a rather easy win over Josh Haynes. Since then UFC fans have been waiting for the return of Bisping but injury and visa issues have prevented that. Hopefully this match (which was rescheduled from UFC 65) will happen.
Schafer hasnt had much of a career but he has been impresasive with wins (all from submission) over Jason Guida and in his UFC debut over Rob macDonald. This on paper looks like an easy win for Bisping BUT I can see Bisping going the way of Herman when he fought MacDonald if he is not carefull.

Yushin Okami (18-3, in UFC 2-0) Vs Rory Singer (10-5, in UFC 2-0)
Yushin Okami is one of the Japanese fighters who have recently made UFC his home in the "Japanese invasion", with a rather impressive resume (including wins over Nick Thompson and current MW champion Anderson Silva, albeit it being a DQ win). Okami made his debut in a rather lackluster win over Alan Belcher at UFC 62 but made up for it with a impressive win over TUF alumni Kalbi Starnes at UFC 64 will he be able to continue moving up in the MW division?
The langly Rory Singer is a TUF3 veteran who has been one of the more outstanding of the fighters. Singer came into the TUF with an rather average record with losses to Daijiro Matsui and Dennis Hallman but wins over Wilson Gouveia. In the first round of TUF he beat one half of "Dagger" Solomon Hutcherson by TKO in the second round. He then got beat by MW unner up Ed Herman in a rather close match. Since that defeat Singer got a easy win over Ross Pointon on TUF 3 finale and a close hard fought victory over Josh haynes at UFN: Final Chapter. This match will be a true test for Singer as Okami seems to be more of the well rounded fighter.

Anthony Perosh (5-2, in UFC 0-1) Vs Christian Wellisch (6-3, in UFC 0-1)
The Australian Anthony Perosh is a heavyweight submission machine with all of his wins by submission. Making his home in the Spartan Reality Fight league in Australis he caught the eyes of the UFC where he made his debut at UFC 61. Unfortunatly for Perosh he was set up with former Abu Dabbi champion Jeff Monson who was able to ground and pound Perosh into defeat. Can Perosh bounce back and possibly make a mark in a rather thin heavyweight divison?
Christian Wellisch is a former Kick Boxer who has added a good aresenal of submisisons to try and make him well rounded. Before the UFC he hasnt really beaten anyone impressive (Tom Howard suprisingly enough is one of his wins) but coming into the UFC he was made into fodder for (the now not so impressive) Cheick Kongo. Wellisch, like Perosh, is another who needs a win to try and stay in the UFC heavyweight divison

UFC 66 will take place Dec. 30th at the MGM grand in Las Vegas.
Main Card
Main Event: Lightheavyweight title match: Champion- Chuck Liddell Vs Challenger- Tito Ortiz
Andrei Arlvoski Vs Marcio Cruz
Forrest Griffin Vs Keith Jardine
Chris Leben Vs Jason MacDonald
Michael Bisping Vs Eric Schafer
Undercard
Tony DeSouza Vs Thiago Alves
Gabriel Gonzaga Vs Carmelo Marrero
Yushin Okami Vs Rory Singer
Anthony Perosh Vs Christian Wellisch

The Loose Cannon
11-28-2006, 01:27 PM
Sounds good, looks like one of the most promising UFC cards as a whole in awhile.