The UFC was originally set to travel back to Tennessee with a “Rampage” Jackson- Rashad Evans bout serving as the main event of Memphis’ card. However, with Jackson’s recent silver screen ambition, that fight is no longer a possibility. Fortunately, a lightweight title fight is available to fill the void.
With Diego Sanchez’s exhilarating bout against Clay Guida at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Season Finale, the intense lightweight will face current lightweight champion BJ Penn at UFC 107, according to UFC.com.
Penn last fought at UFC 101 where he ran through challenger Kenny Florian. Sanchez’s bout with Clay Guida won Fight of the Night, and is at the top of the list as far as Fight of the Year nominees.
Penn has not lost in a lightweight bout since 2002, a loss to Jens Pulver he would eventually avenge. Sanchez has a much shorter history, making his UFC lightweight debut against Joe Stevenson at UFC 95. However, “Nightmare” has won his two lightweight fights, with each receiving Fight of the Night honors. This fight with Penn has all the makings of another Fight of the Night award for Sanchez at 155 pounds.
While the card is not yet finalized, three UFC 100 losers have been named as official participants in the event. Paulo Thiago will face Thiago Alves, the former number one welterweight contender. Frank Mir, former UFC heavyweight champion, will face off against Cheick Kongo, who is coming off a loss to Cain Velasquez.
