Alessio Sakara vs Joe Vedepo to fight at UFC Fight Night 15

by MMAmania.com on Sep 5, 2008 9:31 AM EDT

Alessio Sakara (12-7) is back in business, getting the green light to return to action against Octagon newcomer Joe Vedepo (7-1) at UFC Fight Night 15 at the Omaha Civic Auditorium in Omaha, Neb., on September 17.

"Legionarius" -- who was forced to withdraw from a fight with Rob Kimmons earlier this year because of a broken ankle sustained during training -- has dropped two of his last three bouts, including his most recent contest against Chris Leben at UFC 82: "Pride of a Champion in March, which the Italian fighter lost via technical knockout (strikes) in round one.

It was his middleweight debut after registering a very mediocre record at light heavyweight (3-3). One has to imagine that this is a must-win situation for Sakara.

Vedepo is the Midwest Cage Championship (MCC) middleweight champion, defeating Brian Green via submission (verbal) back in June in a hard-fought battle to earn a UFC berth.

The 25-year-old former light heavyweight has an impressive mix of wins via submission and (technical) knockout, demonstrating an ability to finish fights just about anywhere.

UFC Fight Night 15 will air on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET, featuring two lightweight bouts between Nate Diaz and Josh Neer and Clay Guida and Mac Danzig. To check out the latest fight card and rumors click here.

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This is the FIRST time I’ve heard of Joe Vedepo. Sakara should win if it stays on the feet.

by UFCAddict on Sep 5, 2008 9:52 AM EDT reply actions

I’m glad sakara is fighting again, he’s one of my favorites (i know, I got some strange favs) and is in desperate needof a win!

by kevin doesn't know shit on Sep 5, 2008 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions

I think it was a fight with Rob Yundt he had to withdraw from, and Kimmons was the replacement… anyways, hope Sakara does well! one of my fav fighters also, very exciting!

by brendan on Sep 5, 2008 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I started to like Sakara when he went toe-to-toe against Leben[he lost though]. His punching form was just perfect, like when he was jabbing his left, but so far, please Sakara…Impress me with a win!

by TheNegation on Sep 6, 2008 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions

My post about a possible match-up with Rampage and Wandy in a previous thread has been removed. That a good sign? Or is it because it was all bull? lol

by Toms Bombs on Sep 5, 2008 10:04 AM EDT reply actions

I too hear that they will fight at UFC 91.

aS for Sakara, VIVA ITALIA! Spero que destrudge questo stronzo que non conosco!

by john on Sep 5, 2008 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions

just read an interview with Fedor’s management in which they confirmed that Fedor has a clause in his affliction contract that will allow him to fight Randy in any organization

by john on Sep 5, 2008 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions

UFC 91:

Randy vs. Brock
Wanderlei vs. Rampage
Nick Catone(whoever he is) vs. Amir Sadollah

by john on Sep 5, 2008 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions

-Joe Stevenson vs. Kenny Florian
-Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Josh Hendricks

by john on Sep 5, 2008 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Sweet…

by DSmith on Sep 5, 2008 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions

what does that mean john?

by the still operator on Sep 5, 2008 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

John -

Help me out with the translation. Something about “you hope ??? but don’t know?” My Italian is pretty bad now, but used to be . . . well, better than pretty bad!

by TheProfessor on Sep 5, 2008 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions

" I hope he destroys this unknown FU*K!"

by john on Sep 5, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t know anything about Vedepo either- does anyone have more info?

by DSmith on Sep 5, 2008 10:04 AM EDT reply actions

Joe Vedepo is a very powerful and explosive fighter with a strong chin and high tolerance for pain. He has strong wrestling and submission with room to grow in the stand up skills. Hope this helps.

by Nick on Sep 8, 2008 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Who is Sakara Tattoo artist, that Tatt freeaking rocks!

by Ro-J on Sep 5, 2008 10:19 AM EDT reply actions

I am pretty sure that he had it done in Italy! Props to my Roman brother Sakara

by john on Sep 5, 2008 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions

hey john what does that mean in your thread above?

by the still operator on Sep 5, 2008 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

1 st round KO! Forza Roma..

by RoB on Sep 5, 2008 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

lol. ok. tried to google it. i think the asque ad finem on his tat means. til the end. or something like that. sakara is the man. hope he gets the belt.

by the still operator on Sep 5, 2008 11:40 AM EDT reply actions