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[Bullock]

Joey Villasenor slated for Sept. 20 EliteXC return; "Ninja" rematch possible | MMAjunkie.com

[Ubermensch]

Top EliteXC middleweight contender Joey Villasenor (26-6) will return to action for the organization on Sept. 20, possibly in front of a hometown audience.

On Saturday MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) confirmed the upcoming EliteXC bout with Villasenor.

"It sounds like it's going to be in my hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico," Villasenor said. "We’re just waiting on confirmation of who it's going to be (against)."

Villasenor said EliteXC officials have shared a few names as possible opponents -- including Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos -- but that the organization appears determined to put together a rematch with Murilo "Ninja" Rua (16-8-1).

"They keep on bringing up Ninja's name," Villasenor said. "They're bringing up other names, but Ninja is the one that is sticking out right now."

Villasenor and Rua first met in June 2007 for the first-ever EliteXC middleweight title. Rua earned a second-round TKO (but would lose his title to current title-holder Lawler in his next bout). It's the only loss for Villasenor in his past five fights.

Now, a win over any opponent would be Villasenor's fourth straight for EliteXC and would leave the 33-year-old in prime position for a shot at Lawler.

Villasenor said after defeating Phil Baroni in May, EliteXC offered him the winner of the Lawler vs. Scott Smith bout that took place in May. When the bout ended as a no-contest, those plans were put on hold in lieu of last week's Lawler vs. Smith rematch.

Villasenor said he understands why the schedule had to be adjusted.

"I don't mind," Villasenor said. "As long as I'm busy and active, that's all I care about. I've got one more fight, then hopefully me and Robbie can get in there at the end of the year or the beginning of next year."

Fighting under the PRIDE banner in 2006, Lawler defeated Villasenor in just 22 seconds. Villasenor said the opportunity to face Lawler again is something he thinks about on a daily basis.

"Robbie Lawler's fight wasn't exactly a fight," Villasenor said. "I didn't even get a chance to throw a punch. In my opinion, he caught me early. Those things happen in your career.

"I think Robbie respects me and my abilities. I know that Robbie knows we're going to be in for a great war. I kind of let him down and I let myself down when that fight was ended so quickly.

"He caught me with his first right, he dazed me, and the rest is history. Ever since that night I think about it and him all the time. I'm really motivated to win my next bout, and I would really like the opportunity to compete against him again."

EliteXC has not officially announced a location for the Sept. 20 event. The evening's bouts are scheduled to air on premium-cable channel Showtime.

you know better Bullock

[Bullock]

I get tired of posting the whole thing. This way, people can look if they haven't seen it, and those who already know can just discuss it. And it gives someone else a chance to get in on the fun too and post the actual article.

Plus, I think the site I am linking would prefer the clicks to their page. Yeah, that's why I did it, not out of laziness... no not laziness at all.......

[ArMnHC]

i dont care who he fights as long as they kick his ass! damn MW seems to have more fighters i cant stand then any other division in MMA...Villasenor, Cote, Filho, Marquardt, Hose etc. just looking at "Smokin' Joe" pisses me off, with that stupid little bang he always has...idk LOL

Ninja will smash him again. im guessing they want to set that fight up because there is no other logical match up for him. except maybe Scott Smith.

[Bigshanks666]

I dont know much about Smokin Joe other than his beatdown of Phil Baroni a while back. Maybe Ninja can use the rape choke again. That was pretty badass.

[Ubermensch]

Originally Posted by Bullock

I get tired of posting the whole thing. This way, people can look if they haven't seen it, and those who already know can just discuss it. And it gives someone else a chance to get in on the fun too and post the actual article.

Plus, I think the site I am linking would prefer the clicks to their page. Yeah, that's why I did it, not out of laziness... no not laziness at all.......

Yea yea I get you!!

[Howie]

Ninja would prefer the October card from who i've talked to out of Brazil. But there is a possibility of the Sept card

[Diegonightmare]

Love watching Villasenor fight. Old school Jacksons Submission Fighting.

But if he fights Ninja again, I think the result will be the same.

[Dimson]

I think it is funny that Elite it using all of the fighter's from their first CBS card on this card.

[jhell]

Ninja's gonna beat the beans out of Smokin Joe Burrito as Phil Baroni would say.