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[hunterkiller]

"Babalu" dreaming of Affliction bout with Tito Ortiz | MMAjunkie.com

After a successful return to action against Mike Whitehead at Saturday's "Affliction: Banned" event, light heavyweight Renato "Babalu" Sobral (30-7) hinted at a possibility for his next opponent -- the perhaps-soon-to-be-ex UFC star Tito Ortiz (15-6-1).

The discussion began when Sobral was asked at the post-fight press conference if he would be interested in facing fellow victorious light-heavyweight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, who had dispatched of Edwin Dewees earlier in the evening.

"Nogueira is a friend of mine," Sobral said. "We've trained together before. Of course, if we're going to have to fight, we'll fight. But that's not the fight I'm looking for.

"I'm looking for another guy. Wait for the name. It's coming. I think (Affliction Vice President) Tom (Atencio) is going to bring a name for me. And I'll be here to kick his ass."

When probed further by MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com), Sobral admitted it was Ortiz he was after.

"That's my dream fight," a smiling Sobral said.

Atencio said while a fight between Sobral and Ortiz, who have never fought, is not a top priority, Affliction would be interested in hosting the match if a mutually beneficial deal could be brokered.

"[Signing Ortiz] is definitely not a priority, but it is something that when he's finished with his contract -- I know [the UFC] has a negotiation period and some kind of a grace period -- when he's done with that, we can talk to him," Atencio said on Wednesday. "If that's a fight that seems financially viable, then absolutely. It's going to come down to dollars and cents, and it's going to come down to if it works for us."

Ortiz, who is winless in his past three bouts, has been vocal about his desire to compete outside the UFC. As reported previously by MMAjunkie.com, EliteXC has also shown interest in the former champion. Ortiz has also mentioned the possibility of starting his own promotion.

Translation: "As soon as Ortiz is open to signing with us, we'll snap him up in a heartbeat and this fight will be front and center."

[rugoatee]

Originally Posted by thecoylewis

"Babalu" dreaming of Affliction bout with Tito Ortiz | MMAjunkie.com



Translation: "As soon as Ortiz is open to signing with us, we'll snap him up in a heartbeat and this fight will be front and center."

I think they have to posture a little bit with Tito and play like they are not that interested. It is essentially a negotiating tactic before the negotiating has begun. If they come out and say, "We need to sign Tito," he is goign to try to rape them financially. This kind of banter happens all the time in other sports. Act like you are dissinterested and see if you can shave some money off the contract. Really only works if you are willing to walk away though.

Really hope they make this fight. Will be interesting to see who can secure takedowns. Both have great wrestling. Babula has the better all around ground game in my opinion but Tito has the edge in gnp. Really hope this comes together.

[atj-lucko]

I know Ortiz is way more marketable, but I rather see Lil Nog vs Babalu.