Recently on HDNet's "Inside MMA", Anderson Silva's manager Ed Soares discussed the possibility of Anderson Silva fighting heavyweights such as Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin, or Frank Mir. Soares states that Silva "wants to be in the biggest fights possible, where it's GSP, whether it'd be at light heavyweight, or whether it'd even be at heavyweight". A move to Heavyweight for Silva is not unthinkable. At 6"2', Silva would likely be able to put on enough weight to make the division. Silva fought two boughts at Light Heavyweight not so long ago, with convincing wins over James Irvin and former Light Heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin.

Simply put, Silva wants to be involved in the big pay-per-views that the fans want to watch.

Latest news from the UFC, Lesnar is fighting fit and ready to get back into the Octagon.

Lesnar claims to have been not been feeling well for a long period of time prior to his diagnosis, citing flu-like symptoms. It wasn't until October, when on vacation, that Lesnar's condition worsened. Lesnar returned home with severe stomach pain and was diagnosed with diverticulitis. He refused surgery, as there was a chance that he would never be able to fight again. Lesnar chose to take time off and heal with a strict diet and rest, and after initially losing 40 pounds, he is now on the path of recovery, having regained 30 pounds and feeling strong again. He is training again and was quoted as saying "Let’s make it clear, I still am the UFC heavyweight champion." Lesnar said he is ready to take on anybody. It's likely that an opponent will be decided for Lesnar out of the fights in the near future between Carwin/Mir and Velasquez/Noguiera.

Great news for those UFC fans who have missed out on buying tickets. The UFC is hosting a viewing party at the Acer Arena at an exclusive theatre in side the Grand Ballroom.

Here is a summary of the details:

• Event to be broadcast on giant hi-defnition screens
• Special question and answer session before the event
• 3 international UFC guest fighters to attend event and participate in Q & A
  
• Ticket holders to receive a special commemorative laminate andofficial UFC 110 event program
• Tickets $50 - available at www.ticketek.com from 22nd January. 

The Q & A will kick off at 10:45am, and the first bout will be aired live at 11:45am.

Cain Velasquez, one of the top UFC heavyweight contenders, will be another one of the exciting fighters to feature on the UFC 110 Australian card.

Velasquez has the heart and soul of a fighter, the same determination experienced by his father who risked his life more than once by walking through the Mexican desert in search of a better life in America.

Velasquez is on a seven-fight win streak in the UFC, and if he records an eigth win against Noguiera he will equal the record for the most successive wins in the UFC, and possibly be lined up for a title-shot. The fight against Noguiera, a much more experienced (but older) opponent, will be the toughest matchup in 27 year old Velasquez's career.


source: Sydney Morning Herald
image: Dave Mandel, Sherdog

A follow up post from Michael Bisping's UFC 110 blog has indicated that he is currently training with Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson in preparation for his upcoming fight with Wanderlei Silva. The history between Rampage and Silva is well known, with Rampage most recently gaining a victory over the well known striker.

Bisping highlights that having Rampage as a training partner will be invaluable in offering him an insight from a fighter who has experience with Wanderlei's style.

Although recognizing the power of the heavy-hitting Brazillian, Bisping believes that his style will be a 'bad fit' for Silva, and that he wont show him any respect in the ring.

Part two of Bisping's blog can be read in full at the Daily Telegraph

Australian UFC standout George Sotiropoulos says he is preparing for the biggest fight of his career as he trains for his fight against Joe 'Daddy' Stevenson in UFC 110 at the Acer Arena in Sydney.

This will be the first opportunity for George to fight in Australia as part of the UFC, and he said he's been "training like crazy". George is currently (and has been) based in LA, although he spends most of his time training in Vancouver Washington at the 'Fisticuffs' gym.

George is looking forward to showcasing his skills in front of his family and friends, and if things go well a victory over the highly regarded Stevenson will take him a step closer to title contention.

source: Yahoo Sports
image: Shaun Baker, Brokeyou.com

One of Britain's most popular characters Michael 'the Count' Bisping will be fighting down under on the UFC 110 card. Bisping will feature in the co-main event against former Pride Legend Wanderlei Silva on the 21st Feb.

It may surprise some readers to know that Bisping's fiancée is an Aussie (Becky), and that he requested Dana White to fight on the momentous first Aussie UFC card.

At the moment 'the Count' is training intensively for his fight with Silva. He has recently started writing a blog for the Daily Telegraph in the build up to the event, and will be posting once per week.

We'll be providing updates from his blog as they become available, but until then click here to read the full entry.

Here is something fun if you have a few spare minutes.

Do you know each fighter's nickname? Try this MMA Quiz. Just enter the nickname of each fighter (in no specific order) and hit enter.

There is a 7 minute time limit, so think quick!

MMA Fighter Quiz

Rumblings from Lesnar's camp suggest that the UFC heavyweight juggernaught will return to fight another day in the UFC. Two of Lesnar's trainers, Greg Nelson and Marty morgan each confirmed that Lesnar would be back sooner rather than later. Lesnar has been on hiatus since he was diagnosed with a very serious case of diverticulitis (a bacterial infection of his intestinal tract).

Lesnar last competed in July at UFC 100 against Frank Mir, when he successfully defended his title. He was intended to defend his belt against Shane Carwin until he was sidelined with his illness. In Lesnar's absence an interim heavyweight title bout will be setup between Frank Mir and Antonio Rodigo Noguiera for UFC 111 in March.

source: www.vancouversun.com

According to www.5thround.com, it appears as though Anderson Silva will be making his long awaited return for UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi, against Vitor "the Phenom" Belfort. Silva has been recovering from elbow surgery back in October, and has recently started training lightly.

This will be the first UFC event in Abu Dhabi.

Here are the fighters rumored to be participating in the night’s show:

BJ Penn (UFC Lightweight Champion) vs. TBA
Matt Hughes vs. Renzo Gracie