Former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champ Marcin Tybura signs with the UFC According to Marcin Tybura’s management, the Russian heavyweight is the newest member of the UFC roster. Tybura (13-1) is a former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion and boasts 11 of his 13 career wins by stoppage including a victory over UFC/Bellator veteran Damian Grabovski. He also trains with notable notable fighters like Mariusz Pudzianowski along with UFC veterans Jan Blachowicz and Daniel Omielanczuk. No word on when Tybura will debut or who he will be fighting. It should be noted the UFC has not made an official announcement of the signing but is expected to soon. Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Johnson rematch added to UFC 197 According to the Los Angeles Daily News and later confirmed by UFC officials, an intriguing lightweight rematch has been scheduled for UFC 197 between Tony Ferguson and Michael Johnson. Ferguson (20-3) has only suffered one loss in the octagon – that being a unanimous decision to Johnson in 2012- and has since racked off seven straight wins including victories over Gleison Tibau, Josh Thomson and most recently Edson Barboza. Johnson (16-10) is coming off back to back losses for the third time in his career, suffering a controversial decision setback to Beniel Dariush and most recently a unanimous decision loss to Nate Diaz. UFC 197 takes place March 5th from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Here’s an updated look at the event Rafael dos Anjos (c) vs. Conor McGregor – for lightweight title Holly Holm (c) vs. Miesha Tate – for women’s bantamweight title Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Johnson Erick Silva vs. Nordine Taleb Corey Anderson vs. Tom Lawlor Darren Elkins vs. Chas Skelly Jim Miller vs. Diego Sanchez Ronda Rousey’s coach Edmond Tarverdyan loses cornerman license According to Sherdog.com’s Greg Savage, Edmond Tarverdyan has lost his California cornerman’s licence due to falsifying documents according to CSAC executive director Andy Foster
Just talked to Andy Foster about Tarverdyan’s license being revoked. It was for a violation of rule 210b – falsifying his application.
— Greg Savage (@TheSavageTruth) January 21, 2016
Tarverdyan was last seen cornering Travis Browne in his fight this past weekend at UFC Fight Night 81 against Matt Mitrione in Boston. The next meeting for the CSAC is scheduled for Feb. 2nd and Tarverdyan will be appealing his license revocation. Weidman expects Rockhold rematch, possibly at UFC 199 According to Ariel Helwani on UFC Tonight, former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman thinks his next fight will be a rematch against current 185-pound king Luke Rockhold. While Weidman hasn’t been promised anything by the UFC, the recent booking of Jacare Souza vs. Vitor Belfort suggests the Longo/Serra fighter will be next for the new middleweight champion. In addition, the 31-year old said he’d be open to fighting at UFC 199, instead of trying to earn a spot on the mega card a month later at UFC 200 in Las Vegas, July 9th.