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The last time these two hooked up, MMA fans were treated to 2009’s Fight of the Year. While most remakes never live up to the successes of their predecessor, WEC lightweight champ Ben Henderson and Donald Cerrone promise for an exciting show this Saturday at “WEC 48: Aldo vs. Faber.”

“I expect another great fight and hopefully I’ll be able to end it this time, like I do with most of my fights,” Henderson said. “Call me crazy, but I’m ready for another 5Round war with Cerrone. Let’s have the exact same 5Round, hard, all-out war.

“I love that, I’m not going to lie. But at the end, I want to finish it. I don’t want it to go to a judges’ decision. I don’t want any controversy; I don’t want any ifs, ands or buts. I want to end it.”

“Smooth” has defeated the who’s who of the lightweight division since joining the WEC in January 2009. Henderson owns an impressive 11-1 record and was most recently seen unifying the strap against Jamie Varner at WEC 46 in January.

Cerrone is known just as much for his cowboy ways as he is for his bluntness. The 26-year-old has been telling everyone under the moon that he could take Henderson in a rematch, however this time he’s not going to allow the judges to determine his fate either.

“What’s different this time is that I know what he has,” Cerrone said of his nemesis. “He gave me everything he had last time. I know what I did wrong and what I need to fix. I feel like Ben can be finished and I’m ready to show the world that he can be put away.”

Although Henderson was able to squeak out a close unanimous decision victory in their initial meeting at WEC 43 this past October, he knows he’ll have to showcase a much better game this time around  – because Cerrone defintely will.

The lightweights will serve as the co-main event inside Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. Saturday’s monumental show will mark the WEC’s first pay-per-view broadcast.

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While most MMA enthusiasts aren’t sold on Dan Hardy presenting much resistance against welterweight king Georges St-Pierre at UFC 111, the champ claims he’s preparing for the toughest test of his illustrious career.

It’s a tune GSP has sung many times before and Hardy isn’t fooled.

“I think he’s a smart champion, you know the reason he’s got the belt is because he takes people very seriously and he trains hard for all his fights,” Hardy told TopMMANews.com. “I don’t think he’s saying that because he doesn’t believe it. I’m sure obviously he thinks he’s within his ability to win the fight comfortably and I think partly the reason why he’s saying that is to kind of cover his own back a little.”

The Brit owns an impressive 23-6 pro record and will be riding a seven-fight winning streak into the March 27th title bout. While challenging the planet’s nastiest 170-pounder for his strap is an opportunity of a lifetime, Hardy believes all of the pressure is on the Gatorade and Under Armour endorsed golden boy.

“It’s a bigger fight for him than it is for me, oddly enough,” Hardy said of his nothing-to-lose mentality. “He’s in a situation where he has to win the fight. If he loses to me that alters the direction that his career is going.”

Right now, GSP’s quickly going down a path towards becoming the welterweight division’s G.O.A.T. Along his journey, he’s become one of MMA’s most coveted pitchmen and a loss would be devastating for not only his legacy, but his finances as well.

“Georges St-Pierre is in a position where he beat everybody there is to beat and now he’s fighting guys who offer a lot greater risk than there is a gain in the fight – he’s risking a hell of a lot stepping into the Octagon with me,” stated Hardy. “I’m in a situation where not only can I shock the MMA world, but I can shock everybody, even people within my team.

“This is the Muhammad Ali in the Thrilla in Manila, the fight he was never supposed to win.”

St-Pierre is an 8-to-1 favorite to retain his crown inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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The UFC has just announced that a welterweight scrap between Matt Riddle and Greg Soto will complete the roster for their star-studded “UFC 111: St-Pierre vs. Hardy” event on March 27th, the organization’s biggest fight card of the year.

Champion Georges St-Pierre will defend his title for the first time since humbling former top contender Thiago Alves at UFC 100 last July. MMA’s nastiest welterweight owns a ridiculous 19-2 pro record and is perfect through his last six scraps.

Dan Hardy holds a 23-6 mark and has won seven straight contests. Although the Brit is riding a sick amount of momentum into the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, he’s never faced a beast like GSP.

An interim heavyweight bout between former two-time champion Frank Mir and undefeated Shane Carwin will co-headline the show. The two will duke it out to determine who gets next crack at reigning king Brock Lesnar.

Spike TV will resume their popular “UFC Prelims” lead-in show to kick off the pay-per-view broadcast. The hour-long show will feature two live preliminary bouts - the 170-pound clash between Ricardo Almeida and Matt Brown, as well as the UFC welterweight debut of Nate Diaz as he meets Rory Markham.

Here’s a breakdown of the day’s festivities:

Preliminary Bouts:

Greg Soto vs Matt Riddle
Thomas Drwal vs. Rousimar Palhares
Rodney Wallace vs. Jared Hamman
Kurt Pellegrino vs. Fabricio Camoes

Spike TV 6PM ET/9PM PT

Ricardo Almeida vs. Matt Brown
Nate Diaz vs. Rory Markham

Main Bouts:

Mark Bocek vs. Jim Miller
Thiago Alves vs. Jon Fitch
Jake Ellenberger vs. Ben Saunders
Shane Carwin vs. Frank Mir (UFC Interim Heavyweight Title)
Dan Hardy vs. Georges St-Pierre (UFC Welterweight Champion)

We have also included the official UFC 111 trailer for your viewing pleasure:

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Frank Mir, Shane Carwin and Cain Velasquez all have one thing in common. They are all vying for the next crack at UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar.

Don’t get it twisted, the “interim” title bout between Frank Mir and Shane Carwin at “UFC 111: St-Pierre vs. Hardy” is only happening because the UFC had already announced it prior to Lesnar’s official return.

Nevertheless, both Mir and Carwin understand that the real title goes up for grabs on July 3rd when the winner of their bout hopes to face Lesnar.

If the winner doesn’t get away clean on March 27th, Cain Velasquez will be waiting in the wings after he earned the “alternate” slot by knocking Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira out at “UFC  110: Nogueira vs. Velasquez.”

All three challengers pose an interesting match-up for the returning Lesnar. Let’s face it, we don’t know what kind of condition Lesnar will be in when he returns and like a vulture, anyone of his challengers could prey on him.

Frank Mir – Although they might not admit it, this is probably the rubber match that the UFC WANTS to see. The former champion made an interesting change to his physique going into his bout with Cheick Kongo at UFC 107. Mir added 20 or so pounds of bulk in an attempt to negate the massive size advantage that Lesnar had in their first two encounters. Nobody questions that Mir is the more complete fighter of the two, but Lesnar’s uncanny strength could still be too much for a bulked up Mir.

Shane Carwin - He missed his opportunity at UFC 106 and UFC 108 when Lesnar came down with diverticulitis, but he’ll have another chance if he can beat Mir. Carwin is a well-rounded fighter with knockout power and has never gone the distance, finishing his last four fights by some form of knockout. The question is can Carwin keep his back off the mat and have the fight take place where he wants it. Lesnar doesn’t have the most technical striking, but it’s a problem that’s never been exposed because of his superior wrestling. Carwin also has five victories by way of submission. Lesnar will still have a slight size advantage, but Carwin could very well match his strength.

Cain Velasquez – This is the one guy who has the wrestling ability to compete with Lesnar, but probably doesn’t have enough in his back pocket to stay off the floor. Velasquez would most likely give up anywhere from 20 to 40 pounds of sheer mass, as well as a big strength disadvantage. The one thing that Velasquez now has in his arsenal though is pure striking. The display that he showed at UFC 110 with his dominating knockout over Nogueira was shocking to say the least and shows how much he has grown as a fighter. Once known as strictly a wrestler, Velasquez has the power and striking ability to make it happen. The question is, will he even get to throw any strikes?

For the first time in a LONG time, the UFC’s heavyweight division is extremely relevant and fight fans everywhere will get to benefit from its depth.

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Most MMA fans only get to see the glitz and glamour side of mixed martial arts. You know, when the pay-per-view cameras are rolling and the stadium lights are shining bright? Well, heavyweight Josh Barnett just took us behind the scenes to experience what it’s like to put an actual fight together … on his Twitter account.

Although he’s less than a day removed from inking a contract to join Dream, the controversial wrestler has been trying to sell a Neil Grove or Seth Petruzelli scrap for Dream.13 on March 22nd.

No comment from Grove’s camp about the potential matchup, however Barnett and Petruzelli, the man best known for slapping Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson silly in EliteXC’s final promotion, took to the Twitter world last night to respectfully arrange a showdown.

Who were you offered so far, Josh?

“Rumor is that Tim Sylvia and Bigfoot Silva both turned down fights with me in DREAM. IDK, I’m hearing it here…but I do want to fight.”

So now what’s the plan?

“So I hear Neil Grove is a possible opponent and Seth Petruzelli wants to rumble too…bring ‘em on! Seth has to bring Tom Lawler tho.”

For when?

“DREAM  3/22 baby!”

Seth, are you interested?

“Ok so josh barnett needs a fight for dream in japan,ill do it! Who can make that happen?!”

Mr. Petruzelli, what steps have you taken to ensure this scrap goes down inside the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan?

“i had my MNGR call the number you gave [Lawler]. i hope we can do this! please put in a word for me! i look forward to this!”

Barnett chimes in with some innocent ribbing:

“You have a manager? I thought all you had was highlights and veneers… BTW…you would bring [Lawler] with you right?”

Seth, are you still planning on taking Lawler with you even though he and Barnett are long-time buddies? What if Lawler dumps you for Barnett?

“yes [Lawler] will be with me, but hands off he is my twink! and my highlights take the emphasis off my bitch tits ”

Lawler, MMA’s top comedian, drops his two cents:

“[Josh], I wore wrestling shoes to train tonight after you sent the message! Hopefully this happens, just promise to take me to njpw.”

Who knew MMA negotiations were so loosey-goosey? Let’s see if this conversation hits home with those making the decision in the Orient. We’re less than 19 days away, so the clock is definitely twittering, I mean ticking …

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It may be hard to believe, but it’s been 21 years since Saved by the Bell first started influencing adolescent minds. Apparently, Dan Hardy’s favorite was A.C. Slater, as the character’s wrestling prowess continues to be Hardy’s motivational force as he preps for UFC welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre.

The brash Brit released this hilarious spoof, which was clearly inspired by the legendary Daniel LaRusso, that features an intense training session at Team Rough House:

The clip could be viewed as Hardy taking a dig at GSP by mocking the need to concentrate on his mat skills because the 170-pound king has wrestled his way through his last six contests, all of which (for the most part) have been lopsided victories.

If the guy sporting the mohawk can look anything like the dude with the mullet, then St-Pierre may be in for a world of hurt because Slater was able to quickly counter lightweight Zach Morris’ right by securing a body-lock takedown and unleashing a little G’nP in their highly anticipated showdown inside the Bayside High hallways.

When you face a fighter that’s been under that kind of tutelage, it’s hard to see how St-Pierre stands a chance. Just take a look at the highlight reel for yourself, and don’t forget to check out the last person Hardy gives props to when the credits start rolling.

Hardy challenges GSP for his strap at UFC 111 on March 27th in New Jersy. No word on whether Richard “Beldo” Belding has been assigned refereeing duties inside the Prudential Center.

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It was a fairly slow day in the world of MMA yesterday as Strikeforce’s “big announcement” had already been reported for them the day prior. Thankfully, there was some good ‘ol fashioned Twitter trash talkin’ for our evening entertainment.

It all started when UFC president Dana White posted a picture on his Twitter account in response to an erroneous report that long-time homie and former UFC light heavyweight champ Chuck Liddell had packed on some pounds during his tenure as coach on “The Ultimate Fighter 11.”

“http://twitpic.com/169u7o As usual an mma”news site” said chuck’s belly was back. Wrong again idiot websites! Stop reading [expletive] sites,” White Tweeted.

That apparently set something off in Jenna Jameson as Mrs. Tito Ortiz came out of left field to stir the Octagon pot.

“I think it’s funny that Dana White defends Chuck Liddell like he’s his boyfriend… It’s kinda embarrassing,” Jameson fired-off to the MMA and XXX Twitter communities.

When Liddell caught wind, he sent a stern message proving he needs no mouthpiece.

“She can talk all the [expletive] she want Tito is still a [expletive] and I ko’d him twice,” Liddell stated.

With a simple stroke of the keypad, Jameson single-handedly ignited the day’s hottest thread.

Here are most of Jameson’s UNEDITED MMA-related posts:

About White’s man crush on “The Iceman”:

“Listen all you Chuck fans.. I saw @danawhites post defending Chucks gut…it’s embarrassing, my opinion, take it for what its worth”

“at least Titos not Danas bitch.”

“Dana favors Chuck, always has… maybe he has a weiner to match his belly, and Dana may like it.hehehe”

“Maybe @DanaWhite will post a pic of Chucks weiner next… stay tuned!”

Showing love for Liddell’s fairly recent wardrobe makeover:

“Maybe its big enough to fit all of Chucks spangly dancing outfits”

Regarding Rashad Evans’ lights out knockout of Liddell at UFC 88:

“actually he fought to a draw with Rashad Evans, and actually won, if he didnt grab the fence. Rashad knocked Chuck out like a girl”

“I’m saying he wasnt flopping around like a goldfish like Chuck after rashad…. hhehehee”

” actually… I’ve never seen @titoortiz get knock the fuck out… Chuck has twice in the past year… research punkass, it helps”

“Ya ever see Tito out cold like Chuck? NOPE”

The former porn star taking a dig at UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman:

“Did you hear Colemans classless attack on me and my kids? He deserved that beating….”

“well, maybe you should do some research and know what was said. Coleman started shit, and tito replied… name of the game”

Liddell’s responses amidst the drama:

“Keep the gloves up I have nothing against jenna but tito is fair game no gloves needed there!”

“didn’t he put you in check once already and now you are talkin shit again? Titos gonna cry like a bitch again!”

“its called being a friend jenna. You and tito wouldn’t know anything about that.”

Ortiz’ only comments were directed towards teasing his haters:

“I wish you all could live my life for one day. It would change the way you think of me. Big shoes to fill.”

Jameson’s Tweet just moments later:

“OK, time to bubble bath…”

Where they sitting next to each other during that entire Twitter spat??? Anyway, hope this recap was entertaining, real MMA action kicks off again this Saturday at “WEC 47: Bowles vs. Cruz” in Columbus, Ohio!

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It appears that Strikeforce’s announcement of three title fights headlining their April 17th event inside the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee came just in the nick of time as tickets for the show go on sale tomorrow. SURPRISE!

“Strikeforce Insider” subscribers gain presale access starting tomorrow, March 3rd, at 10AM CST through Thursday, March 4th, at 11:59PM CST on Ticketmaster.com.

Seats go on sale to the general public on Friday at 11AM ET/8AM PT.

“We are excited about returning to CBS Primetime with a card featuring some of the top mixed martial arts fighters in the world, including three title fights and the Strikeforce debut of MMA legend Dan Henderson,” Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker stated. “CBS has shown a tremendous commitment to furthering the sport of MMA on network television, and we appreciate the home they have given Strikeforce to deliver world-class cards for MMA fans everywhere.”

Although there’s less than seven weeks until the CBS broadcast jumps off, no other contests have been confirmed by the San Jose-based organization outside of the 5Round title bouts below:

Shinya Aoki vs. Gilbert Melendez (Strikeforce Lightweight Champion)
Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal vs. Gegard Mousasi (Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion)
Dan Henderson vs. Jake Shields (Strikeforce Middleweight Champion)

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As expected, Strikeforce has just announced their next event will take place on April 17th inside the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee. After much speculation, the show will mark Strikeforce’s second CBS broadcast – even though it will NOT feature Fedor Emelianenko.

Instead, a trio of title bouts will headline the card as Gilbert Melendez puts his undisputed lightweight belt on the line against Japanese import Shinya Aoki, light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi will defend his strap against Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal in the night’s co-main event, and newly-signed Dan Henderson challenges middleweight champ Jake Shields for his crown in the evening’s featured contest.

“We are excited about returning to CBS Primetime with a card featuring some of the top mixed martial arts fighters in the world, including three title fights and the Strikeforce debut of MMA legend Dan Henderson,” Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker stated. “CBS has shown a tremendous commitment to furthering the sport of MMA on network television, and we appreciate the home they have given Strikeforce to deliver world-class cards for MMA fans everywhere.”

Aoki, who’s best known for his stylish tights and sizzling ground game, has a 23-4 record and holds impressive wins over studs like Joachim Hansen, Eddie Alvarez and JC Calvancante. This will mark the Dream lightweight champ’s U.S. debut, however his title won’t be up from grabs.

Melendez just unified the 155-pound title when he dominated Josh Thomson at “Strikeforce: Evolution” this past December. It was his third straight win and improved his record to 17-2.

Fans last saw Mousasi annihilate Gary Goodridge at “DYNAMITE!! 2009: Dream vs. WVR” this past New Year’s Eve. Although Goodridge wasn’t the most dangerous of opponents, Mousasi was able to rattle off  his 15th consecutive win.

The 24-year-old holds a dominant 28-2-1 professional record and hasn’t lost a fight in three-and-a-half years.

“King Mo” owns a perfect 6-0 professional record and emerged onto the MMA scene with his outrageous ring entrances and devastating knockout power,  however he has never faced a beast like Mousasi.

Shields took the open 185-pound title by defeating Jason Miller at “Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers” in November, bumping his record to 24-4-1 en route to capturing the crown.

Hendo is the only man to simultaneously hold two major MMA titles, PrideFC’s 185 and 205-pound crowns, so his tweener status has him in the hunt for not only Shields’ belt, but Mousasi’s as well.

For now, Henderson is focused on Shields, knowing that a resounding win over the Cesar Gracie-trained fighter could have him in a 205-pound championship fight in his next Strikeforce outing.

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It appears Brock Lesnar is the latest to jump aboard Cain Velasquez’ overflowing bandwagon. The UFC heavyweight champion recently gave the up-and-comer props for his 1stRound knockout win over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 110 and said the American Kickboxing Academy-trained fighter has earned a shot at his title.

“Cain has proven himself, he’s beaten some guys with credibility and I wouldn’t have a problem stepping in the Octagon with him,” Lesnar told KFAN Sports Radio AM 1130. “He’s a former wrestler from ASU, former Division 1 All-American with some good hands.

“He’s definitely a force to be reckoned with.”

Prior to Lesnar’s emergence onto the UFC scene, the heavyweight division was clearly the organization’s biggest sore spot. The lack of depth, personality and excitement had fans praying they would never again be forced to watch Tim Sylvia fight Andrei Arlovski for the umpteenth time.

Lesnar finally made his debut at UFC 81 in February 2008 and the division hasn’t looked back. Although he dominantly dawns gold around his waist, the former WWE star isn’t trying to take credit for the barrage of 265-pound talent that suddenly emerged after his arrival.

“I think it’s great,” Lesnar said of the revamped roster. “Finally there’s a heavyweight division that people are talking about. It’s not just talk about Brock Lesnar or the Randy Couture’s. It’s always good to have a melting pot of heavyweights that are capable of challenging the champions. I think it’s good.”

Frank Mir and Shane Carwin will battle for the interim title at UFC 111 on March 27th in New Jersey. The UFC’s ideal scenario would have a healthy Carwin/Mir winner unify the belt against Lesnar later this summer. However, if the victor gets too banged up, Velasquez would step-in and get the next crack.

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