UFC 89: To be Aired Spike TV
It is expected that during tomorrows counter-programming to the EliteXC when the UFC will allow fans to watch UFC 84 for free that Dana White will announce a new deal with Spike TV to host UFC 89.
“Dana White is expected to officially announce tomorrow that UFC 89, headlined by Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben, will air for free on Spike TV. Show takes place October 18th from the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England.”
UFC 89 currently features a less than amazing card. The current main event is Michael Bisping Vs. Chris Leben. The card is not yet filled up though, so hopefully we will get a free title fight!
UFC 89: Bisping vs. Leben Official
UFC 89 was made official by the UFC earlier today and has been set for October 18th at The National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England.
Tickets for the event can be bought on Saturday or if you are a member of the fight club you will be able to get your tickets this Wednesday ahead of the crowds.
The event as it currently stands will see Michael Bisping taking on Chris Leben a fight which should of happened at UFC 85 but due to a jail sentence for Leben was forced to be canceled. Leben was replaced by Canadian Jason Day in the event and Michael Bisping made it look like an easy win.
UFC 89: Bisping vs. Leben
The fight has been set… Michael Bisping will be facing off with Chris Leben at UFC 89.
This is the second time the fight has been scheduled but due to Leben having some jail time to take care of in the States the fight had to be canceled.
From the UFC:
“Two of our amazing fighters, Michael Bisping and Chris Leben, have just agreed to fight. Everyone knows about Leben’s striking power, and it’s the strike fest everyone wants. It’s the fight everyone wants to see.”
When the rest of the UFC 89 card breaks we will bring it to you right here on mma-live!
Leben Jailed for 35 Days
Chris Leben is currently in jail after being sentenced to 35 days. His previous 8 days were taken into account and he is due to be released only 12 days before his fight with Michael Bisping at the 02 Arena, London, England.
The UFC 85 bout looks unlikely now. With Leben getting no training and is far from getting the nutrition he requires for the fight.
An update from MMA on Tap:
Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer is reporting that Leben has been removed from his scheduled matchup against Bisping next month. UFC matchmaker Joe Silva reportedly already has an unknown replacement signed and ready to go.
Michael Bisping: I think fireworks are pretty much guaranteed.
“The fight [with Chris Leben at UFC 85] was offered to me the day after I fought Charles McCarthy [at UFC 83]. There wasn’t a single moment of hesitation from me. Not a single breath. Chris has put himself back into the mix at middleweight and if I want to go for the title then I need to beat guys like him. Chris has beaten a lot of good guys. 18-4 is a good record in MMA. He’s a colourful character and I like him…he reminds me of myself in some ways. He likes to fight and he’s a real person. Leben’s tough, has got heavy hands and swings hard and he’s skilled on the ground despite not being known for that. It might come down to who’s got the better chin out of both of us, but it could be more a case of who’s technically better. I think I’m technically better than Chris Leben. He’s quite a brawler, he’ll take a couple of shots on the way in to land one of his own. He chases people round a little bit so I think fireworks are pretty much guaranteed.”
Bisping gives his thoughts on his upcoming fight with Chris Leben at UFC 85 in London, England on June 7th.
UFC 85: Bouts Confirmed - Hughes Vs. Alves Main Event
The UFC has now confirmed what was released on Matt Hughes’ website earlier today. The new main event for UFC 85 will be Matt Hughes Vs. Thiago Alves. There is also a co main event featuring recently turned middleweight Michael Bisping Vs. Chris Leben. Although rumors have been flying about that UFC 85 will be on Spike TV for Americans this was not confirmed by the UFC’s website, which still has it down as PPV.
Heres a snippet from Matt Hughes’ website earlier today:
June 7th, in England, I fight Thiago Alves. The fight is confirmed, it will be the main event for the card. Dana just called me with the news. Chuck got hurt and couldn’t fight, so he needed a replacement and called me and I said yes. More news as I get it. No matter what happens in this fight, I’ve got Serra next. -matt
Full list of confirmed fights at UFC 85:
Matt Hughes vs. Thiago Alves
Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben
Marcus Davis vs. Mike Swick
Rashad Evans vs. James Irvin
Fabricio Werdum vs. Brandon Vera
Martin Kampmann vs. Jorge Rivera
Thiago Tavares vs. Matt Wiman
Nate Marquardt vs. Thales Leites
Luis Arthur Cane vs. Jason Lambert
Neil Wain vs. Antoni Hardonk
UFC 85: Chuck Liddell’s Replacement
The UFC has had to start modifying the card for UFC 85 after Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell’s recent hamstring injury.
No announcements on UFC’s part have been made yet but MMAmania claim they have sources to what the fights are going to be.
MMAmania announced that Chuck Liddell will be replaced by James Irvin in the fight against Rashad Evans. It has also been mentioned that a fight between middleweights Michael Bisping and Chris Leben could now also be taking place at the 02 arena in London.
Stay tuned for updates on this fightcard!