Spencer Fisher (22-4) is penciled in to re-introduce Caol Uno (25-11-4) to the Octagon at UFC 99 at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany, June 13, according to industry sources.
After seven consecutive UFC fights, Uno left the organization in 2003 to compete in K-1 Hero’s. During his UFC tenure, Uno fought the cream of the crop in the lightweight division, including BJ Penn (loss, draw), Jens Pulver (loss), Hermes Franca (loss), Din Thomas (win) and Yves Edwards (win), among others. He amassed a respectable record (3-3-1) during that time.
And he’s kept the good competition coming ever since.
Uno recently entered the 2008 DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix, pulling off a shocking upset of early tournament favorite Mitsuhiro Ishida courtesy of a submission (rear naked choke). He would go on to lose to submission wizard and eventual runner up, Shinya Aoki, via unanimous decision in the next round.
Put simply, "Uno Shoten" is a great acquisition on several fronts -- he’s not only talented and experienced, but also a high profile fighter from Japan who could influence others to follow suit (we’re looking at you, "Kid" Yamamoto).
Fisher most recently defeated Shannon Gugerty via submission (triangle choke) at UFC 90: "Silva vs. Cote" back in October 2008. It was his second straight win – "The King" outpointed the heavy-handed Jeremy Stephens on all three judges scorecards at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 7 Finale in June 2008.
The Miletich Fighting Systems veteran has won three of his last five bouts, including a rematch against Sam Stout at UFC Fight Night 10 more than one year ago. Fisher is a former top contender in the 155-pound class. And a win over an opponent the caliber of Uno will prove once again that he still belongs among the division’s elite.
The fight card for UFC 99 may still be in its infancy, but don’t be surprised to see former UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture make the trip overseas.
Again.
"The Natural," who spent four years of U.S. Army service stationed at the "Fliegerhorst" base of Langendiebach in Erlensee, Germany, has been in talks to face former UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at this event.
And if Big Nog isn’t available, rumor has it some Croatian Cop is looking to give the Octagon a second try.
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more details and information as it becomes available.