Matt Hughes vs. Renzo Gracie Likely for April’s UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi
Former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes and UFC newcomer Renzo Gracie, who recently signed a muti-fight deal with the promotion, are likely to square off at UFC 112 on April 10 in Abu Dhabi, Hughes today confirmed on his official website, though the pair have yet to officially signed on for the contest.
“I didn’t know if I could say anything about my next fight, but I see that Dana has let the cat out of the bag. So I can tell you what I know, on April 10th I will be fighting Renzo Gracie in Abu Dhabi,” wrote Hughes. “I haven’t signed any paperwork and I don’t think Renzo has either; but I think this fight is going to happen. That’s all I know, serious training will start for me at the new year.”
After losing three of his last four, including back-to-back losses to Georges St-Pierre and Thiago Alves, Hughes (43-7), a two-time welterweight champ and two-time All-American wrestler, bounced back in his most-recent fight in May, defeating rival Matt Serra by unanimous decision at UFC 98.
Gracie (13-6-1), a member of the legendary Gracie family and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, last fought in early-2007, defeating Frank Shamrock by disqualification at EliteXC’s debut event, his third-straight win following victories in the IFL over Carlos Newton and Pat Miletich.
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Pictured: Matt Hughes
Tags: Matt Hughes, Renzo Gracie
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Sorry Abu Dhabi, Matt Hughes will serve you up a 3 round bore-fest. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
actually Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to hold a fight like this where it could be grappling heavy
Are you trying to tell me that people over there won’t be bored to death by grappling? What the hell do they know about it?
well Dbiz I heard this rumor of there being some sort of grappling club there, couple of decent guys have gone to their tournemant in the past.
Lets just say I doubt you will hear as many dumb drunks yelling at the fighters to stop humping…
Especially since alcohol is not as readily available as it is elsewhere…
They sell and serve alcohol in Abu Dhabi, I actually looked it up, since UAE is a predominantly Muslim country.
Abu dhabi holds the world championships of grappling. So I’m sure they won’t be that bored.
hughes the next “gracie killer” ? or perhaps hes a little too past his prime
WTF??? When did the UFC breach the Middle East?
This is the perfect venue for this fight. Put this fight anywhere but here or Vegas and you’re likely to have some “boring” chants, although I’m really looking forward to this one!!!!!
Anyone know anything about Abu Dhabi crowds? Are they ravenous like the North Americans or quiet and appreciative like the Japanese?
“Put this fight anywhere but here or Vegas,” from what I have seen, the Vegas crowd has been AWFUL lately. They didn’t even show up for the beginning of the televised broadcast of the TUF finale, and some even left after the Jones v. Hamill fight. I have heard from some other reporters that have been to many fights in Vegas that showing up late is typical, but they were exceptionally late for the TUF finale. There were also reports of fans chanting obscenities at Schoonover during his fight.
I didn’t hear about that at TUF 10, tragic. I’ve been to 2 fights in Vegas and the crowd seemed generally respectful (except for Bisping, but we all hate him). Although you’re right, in Vegas for the prelims it’s a little emptier than others, but I’m talking about respect during the fight. I’m just going on experience here, Ohio booed when the fight was boring, Montreal was much worse duing a couple fights, Philly booed a lot at their last event (Rogan made a few comments on the ppv, i wasn’t there). From what I’ve experienced, the majority of people watching fights in Vegas have made long trips and tend to know their stuff, but I’ve only been twice, so maybe I got some good crowds.
This is a very weak headline i would go with another fight hughes i past his prime and renzo is older too. good fight just not headline material
i think Bj could beat Hughes without even gaining weight now. Hughes is boring Renzo hasnt been in shape for a while that fight will suck.Hughes won’t finish renzo.
If Hughes wins this (which i think he will) i think a Hughes Vs BJ rubber match would definately be a good shout.
A lot of people seem to think it would be easy for BJ, but i seem to remember last time they met Hughes handed the Prodigy a heavy beat down?
Matt Hughes is probably not as ‘past it’ as people seem to hope he is.
With his experience he could still give a lot of top draw MMA fighters a decent match, just maybe not GSP again…..
Two ledgends of MMA. Anyone who respects the game will be down for this one. I mean Hughes has forty something wins when you see some of the ufc “stars” have about ten. GO MATT!!!!