UFC 118 in Boston News and Rumors
We're still over 4 months away, but rumors regarding UFC's debut in Boston at UFC 118 have been flying in over the past few days. From former champions to former boxers, several potential matchups have been leaked for Dana White's debut in The Hub.
In addition to the lightweight championship match reported by Fighters Only earlier in the week, a likely elimination bout to determine a new number 1 contender for the lightweight title has been announced for UFC 118. Kenny Florian (14-4) confirmed on ESPN's MMA Live that he will be taking on Gray Maynard (9-0 1NC) in front of his homecrowd in August. Many thought Maynard would've been the man to take on BJ Penn at UFC 112, but after several lackluster (yet victorious) performances that went the distance, that fight went to Frankie Edgar.
In addition to the two lightweight matches, MMA Junkie is reporting that James Toney's long-awaited UFC debut may come in Boston against UFC Hall of Famer Randy 'The Natural' Couture (edit: Randy Couture's twitter has also confirmed the bout - link). Upon Toney's signing, Couture was one of the first fighters to throw his name in the hat to take on the ex-boxer. While it may seem unfair to throw an unproven mixed martial artist in the cage against a legend for his octagon debut, Toney has made it clear he does not want a lay-up in his first fight. Far from being an instant classic in the cage, Toney-Couture would, however, be a big draw on the main card in addition to whatever title bouts take place.
Sources: MMA Junkie, Fighters Only Magazine, MMA Live
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