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.
Get the latest gear
