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Denis Kang vs Alan Belcher UFC 93 fight possible for Jan. 17


High-profile 185-pound standout Denis Kang (31-10-1) -- who just signed a new four-fight contract -- could make his Octagon debut against Alan Belcher (13-5) at UFC 93 at The O2 in Dublin, Ireland, on January 17, according to MMAOnTap.com.

Bout agreements have reportedly been distributed to both fighters but are not signed at this time.

Kang — who has enjoyed success primarily in Japan and Korea fighting in the Pride FC and Spirit MC organizations — is on a two-fight win streak after losing back-to-back matches. He most recently defeated Marvin Eastman via first round technical knockout at Raw Combat: "Redemption" last month.

The Canadian with South Korean roots was a participant in the Dream Middleweight Grand Prix 2008, losing to eventual tournament winner Gegard Mousasi via submission (triangle choke). He was an early favorite to win it all before getting upset by the slick Armenian.

Kang was also the runner-up at the PRIDE Welterweight Grand Prix 2006, losing to Kazuo Misaki via split decision.

He is a great addition to the middleweight class on paper, but will need to prove his worth within the eight-sided cage -- an unforgiving place where many high profile free agent acquisitions have struggled early … especially against UFC veterans like Belcher.

"The Talent" is fresh off a tough split decision win over Ed Herman at UFC Fight Night 15 back in September. It was his third win in his last four attempts -- a surprising technical knockout loss to newcomer Jason Day at UFC 83: "Serra vs. St. Pierre 2" earlier this year is the only blip during that span.

If this bout does go down he’ll want to be sure that it doesn’t happen again. And to do that he’ll more than likely keep things upright with Kang – he has solid submissions. Then again, Kang is pretty good standing, too.

Rich "Ace" Franklin (24-3) and Dan "Hollywood" Henderson (23-7) — two of the world’s most elite 205-pound fighters — will duke it out in the main event. And Brazilian powerhouse Mauricio "Shogun" Rua will return and look to get back in the win column as he takes on UFC pioneer Mark "The Hammer" Coleman.

For more on UFC 93 stay dialed in to MMAmania.com and remember to check out our event archive right here. Be sure to also check out the latest UFC 93 fight card and rumors right here.

0 recs  |  Comment 22 comments

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I hope not! Why give Kang an easy fight? I guess, gotta start somewhere?

by JV on Nov 10, 2008 9:20 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

really JV? I actually think this would be a great fight. Belcher would be serious and train hard, and in my opinion give kang a very tough fight!

by kevin on Nov 10, 2008 10:13 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

not that easy of a match up. Belcher has been looking better recently. I dont expect Kang to have much trouble putting Belcher away but it is still an exciting match up.

Why is Chael Sonnen running his mouth about having an immediate shot at Anderson Silva waiting for him i9n the UFC. Please tell me this is a JOKE!!!

by john on Nov 10, 2008 10:29 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Thats the first Ive heard of Chael wanting Anderson? That has to be a joke? Chael/Belcher would make more sense to me! And I would like to see Fil-HO/Palhares.

by JV on Nov 10, 2008 10:33 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

THats what I say JV. I cant imagine the UFC booking a match up between Anderson vs. Chael. if this is true, I will boycott the UFC FOREVER!!!!!!

by john on Nov 10, 2008 10:42 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

no you wont

by matt on Nov 10, 2008 1:12 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

because he beat fihlo and the wec did away with mw’s. who else is he supposed to call out???
Leban?
it’s strictly smart business for him, but won’t happen!

by kevin on Nov 10, 2008 10:52 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Kevin: He isnt callingo ut Silva, he is saying that he already has a shot against Silva promised to him for his UFC debut! THere is a difference!

by john on Nov 10, 2008 10:59 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

If thats what happens john, then its probably to unify the belts? But even then, its still a joke of a fight! And with Anderson wanting to retire soon! The UFC should not waste him with weak fights!

by JV on Nov 10, 2008 11:06 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I haven’t read it john, but don’t doubt it…it would be a waste of one of silva’s fights!

by kevin on Nov 10, 2008 11:08 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

If I was a MW contender, the guy I would call out is Michael Bisping. Bisping is marketable, so getting a fight w/ him probably means main eventing in Europe. Plus, he’s also a lot more beatable than Anderson Silva lol.

by Pat on Nov 10, 2008 11:23 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Leben is Sonnons former teammate.

by belfort_fan on Nov 10, 2008 1:08 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, this better not happen. Silva wants to fight five more times, i say vacate that BS middleweight title and go hunt for the LHW title!

by john on Nov 10, 2008 4:12 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Lol easy fight??? Belcher via TKO second round

by BMO on Nov 10, 2008 1:09 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

tough first fight, but Kang has to do it i like too much to see him lose this one!

by RoB on Nov 10, 2008 9:46 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

lol um this is no easy fight, Belcher would be a good test for Kang. I didn’t know if the UFC was going to throw a can at Denis Kang for his first fight but if this goes through, it shows that they are truly taking him into consideration as a top fighter.

I would like to see Denis come through and be successful in the UFC.

by Jon on Nov 10, 2008 10:28 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

aww man am well pissed i didn’t buy a ticket

by ruan-fiy on Nov 10, 2008 1:47 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Alright Denis, heard alot about you, lets see what your made of already.

by The Anomaly on Nov 10, 2008 4:50 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Belcher lost my respect when he lost to Jason “The Pillow” Day.

by ArlovskiRush on Nov 10, 2008 5:57 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I thought we’d see him on 94 to get even more of the canadian constituant. Couple him with GSP (and probably McDonald again) on the card. That said, I think there are better match-ups out there than Belcher.

by PJJ on Nov 10, 2008 7:35 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

BJ Penn vs. Randy Couture.

+

Anderson Silva vs. Brock Lesnar.

WAR JAPAN!

by RyuGyui on Nov 10, 2008 9:46 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

good first test for kang

by bryant on Nov 10, 2008 10:09 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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