The "perfect storm" of a Randy Couture resignation, Sean Sherk steroids appeal and the long-awaited showdown between former champions Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva in December has perhaps bumped the 155-pound UFC 79 title fight that includes BJ Penn to a later date.
In fact, FightNetwork.com is reporting that it could go down in early February during SuperBowl weekend (the date Couture was supposed to defend his crown).
"The Prodigy" was penciled in for the New Year's Eve weekend event to face either Sherk or Joe Stevenson (if Sherk is suspended) for the lightweight title. Even before that Penn was supposed to challenge "The Muscle Shark" during the main event at UFC 78 next month.
However, the current division champ tested positive for steroids following his successful title defense against Hermes Franca in July at UFC 73. He has appealed the decision and the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) will issue a ruling on October 31.
Deep breath.
Therefore, with one title already on the line come December 29 (Matt Serra vs. Matt Hughes) and a headliner-worthy match up between Liddell and Silva also more than likely on the undercard, it's possible that the presence of Penn on UFC 79 is unnecessary.
In fact, the eventual fight could be used to sell seats and pay-per-views (PPVs) to a show just a few weeks later.
Nothing is set in stone or official at this time. There just seems to be some musical match-making chairs going on behind the scenes that we want to pass along.
Stay tuned for more details. This picture should be cleared up after this weekend and the hearing on Halloween.
In the meantime check out the UFC 79: "Nemesis" card right here.
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