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[Submissionist]

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, England – Late last year, Evan Tanner announced that he had signed to once again compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Now there is a date and an opponent to round out his return.

As part of a question and answer session on Friday, UFC broadcaster Joe Rogan stated that Evan Tanner will face Yushin Okami when the promotion makes its Canadian debut.

That event will be headlined by a championship bout between current welterweight titleholder Matt Serra and interim champion Georges St. Pierre. It will take place on April 19 at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Joe Silva, UFC’s vice president of talent relations, confirmed Rogan’s comments about the fight.

Tanner last fought more than one-and-a-half years ago at UFC 59 where he defeated Justin Levens by triangle choke. He won the middleweight championship at UFC 51, defeating David Terrell by TKO. His reign didn’t last long though, as he lost the belt to Rich Franklin four months later.

The 36-year-old fighter out of Amarillo, Texas has long been considered a nomad, never staying with one fight camp for very long. Tanner has spent time training with teams such as Team Quest and Chute Boxe USA, but is currently training at Hard Knocks Muay Thai in Las Vegas. He has also recently traveled to Utah to train with Josh Burkman, who fights in the main event of UFC Fight Night on Jan. 23 against Mike Swick.

Rogan also stated that the UFC has been talking with Hayato “Mach” Sakurai, Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto and Takanori Gomi amongst others, but as far as he is aware nothing is solid with any of them.

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[Ramma]

I am glad they didn't get rid of Okami.


I don't see Evan winning this either. Too much rust

Originally Posted by Ramma

I am glad they didn't get rid of Okami.


I don't see Evan winning this either. Too much rust

I agree. I think Okami will be too much for him. I wonder what kind of shape tanner will be in?

[jlruthven84]

If Tanner can at least put in a good showing, I think there's hope for him yet. He's a big MW, and his striking is just a little better than Okami's IMO.

[BigBanda]

Damn that is shitty for Even Tanner for them to give him such a good opponent on his return fight as he has been out for so long. I am pulling for Evan though.

[Ramma]

Originally Posted by TriangleChoke

I agree. I think Okami will be too much for him. I wonder what kind of shape tanner will be in?

There is a pic around here somewhere. Tanner is in excellent shape But, Okami is a game opponent and Tanner has had a long time off. I think this is way too tough of a first opponent.

Originally Posted by Ramma

There is a pic around here somewhere. Tanner is in excellent shape But, Okami is a game opponent and Tanner has had a long time off. I think this is way too tough of a first opponent.

they may be looking at it like this- if okami beats evan tanner- a former champion, they can set up a silva/okami II ppv...If evan wins, he's back in the mw title picture and maybe with a few more wins he gets a title shot..im pulling for evan but i think okami will finish him

[tapper]

i don't see how tanner can win this but you never know, i hope he wins just so he can get his shit back together, i'd hate to see where he ends up if he blows this opportunity.

[CreepingDeth]

I heardthis was offered to Tanner a few weeks ago and suposedly he said he would prefer a tune up fight first. Gotta give him credit for taking a tough fight after so long off. If okami wins I think they gotta give him a title shot.

[AngryJohnny]

I think Tanner's got a good chance of pulling it off. I doubt he's going to get mauled by Okami, though he may be spending a lot of time on his back. I'm guessing this goes to decision.