Top Elite XC Fighters Added To November CBS card

Vice President of Elite XC Jared Shaw announced some big names to be added to the November Elite XC Showtime card on CBS.

The names mentioned are Nick Diaz, Joey Villasenor, Brett Rogers and Rafael Cavalcante. No opponents have been confirmed for these fighters. Robbie Lawler has been mentioned as a possible opponent for Villasenor, although this is far from being signed. If Villasenor is successful in his fight, he will likely get a shot at the title. The same is true for Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante, who will be in line for the organisation's first ever Light Heavyweight title if he wins in November.

Brett Rogers was expected to fight Kimbo Slice, but that fight has instead been given to Ken Shamrock ( see here for original story: http://mmatrivia.blogspot.com/2008/08/kimbo-to-face-ken-shamrock.html). Diaz was expected to face KJ Noons at this event, but Noon's management rejected the fight, claiming that the fight made no sense for Noons as Diaz wasn't a contender for his belt at the time. We will bring you news of the opponents for these fighters when we learn them.

Diaz And Miller Comment On DREAM Matchups

With the last DREAM event out of the way, fighters Nick Diaz and Jason " Mayhem" Miller are looking to their next fights with mixed feelings.

Nick Diaz has stated that he would love to be fighting Shinya Aoki in the next round of the tournament, rather than his scheduled opponent Hayato "Mach" Sakurai, for the Welterwight Championship. Here is what Diaz had to say:

“You know, there’s a lot of other people I’d like to fight, just considering Mach Sakurai is a lot older than I am,” Diaz said. “He’s probably in his late 30s I’d imagine, so I’m going to have a lot of respect for him and everything he’s done. I tend to do better with people I have less respect for. To be honest, I’d rather be fighting Shinya Aoki or Kawajiri — somebody other than the guy that got knocked out by someone I already beat [Gomi]."

“I know the only way to win is not care to win or lose,” he said. “That’s why I’m not afraid of anybody and why I want to fight the best. I think Shinya Aoki is the best fighter here. I want to fight this guy — I think I can beat him."

Jason "Mayhem" Miller's opponent in the next leg will be Zelg Galesic, although Miller is not entirely happy with the choice. Miller had this to say:

“My biggest dream ever was to fight Sakuraba,” Miller said. “He was my hero growing up. I’m lucky that in my business, I’m allowed to beat my heroes up in the same way I beat my dad up now.

“Sakuraba is my hero, and the prospect of being able to fight my hero is huge. It’s my dream, and hopefully I can accomplish my dream here. I’m happy that we’re in the tournament at the same time. No matter who they put in front of me, I want to defeat them in the most exciting manner possible. I’ve never seen Sakuraba tap out.”

Nick Diaz Looks To DREAM 5

Nick Diaz is a very happy man coming off his tournament win at DREAM 3, over former King Of Pancrase, Katusya Inoue.

The road to DREAM has been a difficult one for Diaz, who was scheduled to fight on their first card, but the bout was pulled after his opponent Marcello Garcia declined the fight. Then his recent fight was proposed for DREAM 3, but was then axed due to the time between DREAM 3 and Elite XC's Hawaii event, on which Diaz is also scheduled to fight. Due to Diaz's Elite XC contract, he is unable to fight within 45 days of an Elite XC fight.

After much negotiation with Elite XC, Diaz was finally allowed to fight for DREAM, so he rapidly cut weight and flew to Japan, where he scored a victory over Inoue.

He is said elated at the fact he is fighting in the second leg of the tournament. His opponent will be former UFC and Pride fighter Hayato "Mach" Sakurai, a very tough opponent. Diaz has said in interviews that he would love to fight Aoki, but this is not to be. This match up could happen, however, if both Diaz and Aoki get past their next opponents. Diaz will fight Sakurai at DREAM 5 on July 21st.

UPDATE: Diaz Headed To Japan

We promised to bring you news regarding Nick Diaz and DREAM as soon as we heard, so here it is.

Nick Diaz is on his way to Japan! The fight will take place, at it original weight, not at a catch weight. This means that Diaz has had to do some serious weight cutting in preparation for this fight. He is reported to have spent the day cutting weight and then boarded a plane to Japan. He will then spend all day tomorrow cutting yet more weight to ensure he is ready. We can only hope this drastic weight cut will not have an effect on his energy levels for the fight.

Nick Diaz-DREAM Saga Continues

As you know, Diaz was due to fight on the DREAM 3 card this weekend, then had to pull out due to contract disputes with Elite XC.

Cesar Gracie spoke on Sherdog Radio today, and said that Nick may be back on the card after all. This is dependent on DREAM allowing the fight to take place at a catch weight of 175lbs. When Diaz heard he was not fighing, he put some of the weight he had cut back on, and now doesn't have time to cut it properly before Sunday.

We will update this story as soon as we hear any more information.

Nick Diaz - KJ Noons Rematch Possible

In a statement released by Gary Shaw today, he hinted that a rematch between Nick Diaz and KJ Noons is possible.

In order for this rematch to happen, both Diaz and Noons need to win their fights in Hawaii on June 14th. This fight is one that fans really want to see, and Nick Diaz definately wants to get his hands on.

Diaz was beaten in their first fight by doctor stoppage due to a cut, at the end of the first round. Diaz feels now that he has something to prove.

UPDATE: Nick Diaz Off DREAM 3 Card

We reported in our Sunday Round Up that Nick Diaz was booked to fight Katsuya Inoue at Dream 3 this weekend. This fight has now been cancelled.

The reason for the cancellation is that Diaz is booked to fight at an Elite XC event on 14th June, and Gary Shaw, along with Showtime executives have decided that this is too close, and don't want to risk Diaz being unable to fight. According to Shaw, this fight was never agreed by him, and therefore he can't let it continue.

Diaz may be booked to fight for DREAM after his Elite XC fight, but no official word has been received from DREAM as yet.