
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.
22 Comments »


















I hope not! Why give Kang an easy fight? I guess, gotta start somewhere?
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!
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!!!
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.
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!!!!!!
no you wont
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!
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!
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!
I haven’t read it john, but don’t doubt it…it would be a waste of one of silva’s fights!
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.
Leben is Sonnons former teammate.
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!
Lol easy fight??? Belcher via TKO second round
tough first fight, but Kang has to do it i like too much to see him lose this one!
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.
aww man am well pissed i didn’t buy a ticket
Alright Denis, heard alot about you, lets see what your made of already.
Belcher lost my respect when he lost to Jason “The Pillow” Day.
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.
BJ Penn vs. Randy Couture.
+
Anderson Silva vs. Brock Lesnar.
WAR JAPAN!
good first test for kang