UFC 87: Huerta and Florian Likely Fighting For a Title Shot
Top UFC lightweights Kenny Florian and Roger Huerta are set to face off in a featured bout at UFC 87 in August and there is likely more than just bragging rights on the line.
UFC President Dana White revealed during a pre-UFC 84 media conference call earlier this week that the winner of the August bout between Huerta and Florian will likely receive a lightweight title shot against BJ Penn or Sean Sherk pending their main event lightweight championship fight next weekend at UFC 84.
Florian (10-3) is 7-2 inside the octagon, with his only losses coming to Diego Sanchez and Sean Sherk. After winning his way into the finals of The Ultimate Fighter, Florian was defeated by Sanchez on the finale of the reality series. After stringing together three straight UFC wins, Florian was matched up against Sean Sherk for the vacant UFC lightweight championship. Sherk defeated Florian via unanimous decision in the October 2006 bout but Florian has since worked himself back into title contention. Known for his ability to finish his opponents, he has since won four straight bouts over Dokonjonosuke Mishima, Alvin Robinson, Din Thomas, and Joe Lauzon to again establish himself as a 155-pound contender.
Huerta (20-1) has yet to lose in the UFC, defeating all six opponents he has faced inside the octagon. His lone career loss came in mid-2004 when he was defeated by current IFL lightweight champion Ryan Schultz as the result of a dislocated jaw. After compiling a 14-1 recond in a mixture of promotions, Huerta came to the UFC and secured wins over Jason Dent, John Halverson, Leonard Garcia, Doug Evans, and Alberto Crane. Despite an impressive resume, Huerta’s status as a lightweight contender was questioned due to the lack of quality competition resulting in a matchup against Clay Guida. Huerta appeared to be in trouble early in the late-2007 bout but came back strong in the third round to secure a rear naked choke submission victory.
For the latest UFC rumors check out the MMAFrenzy.com rumors section.
Tags: Kenny Florian, Roger Huerta
Loading ...
i want roger to win this fight for some reason i just dont see kenny as a top fighter, but i dont think any of them will be able to beat BJ or sherk i also think sherk will beat BJ even tho it pains me to say this as BJ is my 2nd fav fighter, i hope BJ can prove me wrong and knock him clean out!!
I agree, for me Huerta wins this matchup all the way. I’m the other way though on the LW title fight. I can’t see anything other than a BJ victory.
I see you Leeds boys did the business in the week johnboy
yeah mate it wa ****ing quality pub went mad just hope we do donny in final now think we will be to strong for em but they looked good other nite, fingers crossed tho haha
whos ur team
I see BJ beating Sherk all the way! I would like to see Huerta fight BJ but my money is on Florian. He has looked real sharp since his loss to Sherk. I think we will see BJ VS Florian later this year.
I think you’ll have too much for Doncaster. I’m a Liverpool fan
i see sherk as the underdog in this upcoming fight. there’s too many ways bj is better and the only chance he has is a lucky punch or if BJ gasses which doesn’t sound likely from the interview bj just did. regarding florian vs huerta, i think the sport would benefit more if huerta fought him cuz he’s more marketable and it would prolly pull alot of new fans in. from a fight fans standpoint, i think i’d rather see florian cuz i think it’d be a better fight and I also think that since sherk was busted for bein on roids when he won the title, then it’s only fair that florian get another shot. in my opinion, he was jipped so this would make it right. all in all, 155 is the class to watch, there’s so many talented fighters that you’ll never go without a great matchup.
I have to give the edge personally to Sherk and Florian which makes what I would deem the least intriguing matchup a reality but I can see both matches being won by either fighter and they should both be very competitive and interesting bouts.