UFC 67: Florian-Fisher?; Tito Ortiz taking another breakfrom training

Sherdog.com released its newsletter today, which contained some interesting UFC-related nuggets.

Here's a recap:

--UFC lightweight Kenny Florian will return to the Octagon probably in February against Spencer Fisher. Nothing is official.

--Vice president for regulatory affairs, Marc Ratner, is working "feverishly" to get the UFC into the Chicago, Detroit and New York markets. In fact, Ratner is confident the UFC will stage shows in Illinois and Michigan "very soon." Negotiations with New York State officials will begin after the first of the year.

--As part of a new deal, the UFC has scheduled at least six events at Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for 2007, the first of which will be UFC 67 on February 3.

--Even though Dana White is disappointed with Stephan Bonnar testing positive for steroids, the light heavyweight will remain under contract with the UFC.

We also learned today that Tito Ortiz will once again take some time off from training for his rematch with Chuck Liddell at UFC 66 on December 30 to make another public appearance.

This time, he will be a presenter at the 4th Annual Premios Fox Sports Awards Show at the Jackie Gleason Theater of Performing Arts in Miami Beach on December 14.

Here's a snip from Tito in the press release:

"I'm very proud of my Hispanic heritage and it's terrific to be part of an event that honors outstanding athletes from all sports and all walks of life. All of these competitors have shown what you can do with a combination of skill, dedication, hard work and lots of heart. It is an honor for me to be among them."

No comment from us on that one.

Here are some other UFC articles to check out:

TheFightNetwork.com – Yamasaki Assigned To Ref UFC 66 Liddell-Ortiz Championship Bout

InsideFighting.com – Kenny Florian: Lessons learned and respect earned

Baltimore Sun – TV guide to upcoming mixed martial arts action

New York Press– Will The UFC Totally Eclipse Boxing?

We'll update these media links throughout the day.