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by MMAjunkie.com Staff on Aug 24, 2008 at 12:25 pm ET

Despite EliteXC middleweight champion Robbie Lawler (16-4) stating he might take the remainder of the year off after a July victory over Scott Smith, MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) has learned that Lawler may return as soon as November.

Sources close to the bout today revealed to that a rematch between Lawler and Joey Villasenor (26-6) is "pretty much a done deal" for EliteXC's Nov. 8 card. The event is scheduled for broadcast on premium-cable network Showtime.

EliteXC Vice-President Jared Shaw's recent comments to MMAjunkie.com would seem to confirm the possible match-up.

"Joe [Villasenor] will definitely be appearing sometime in the fall," Shaw said. "And he's definitely in line for a world title shot."

Although Villasenor recently lost the opportunity to fight in front of his hometown after the cancellation of EliteXC's Sept. 20 show in New Mexico, the Albuquerque-native may now have an opportunity for both a title and revenge.

Lawler and Villasenor have faced each other once before. In Oct. 2006 Lawler stunned Villasenor with a flying knee en route to a 22-second TKO victory. Villasenor recently told MMAjunkie.com he would love a second opportunity with Lawler.

"[Lawler] caught me with his first right, he dazed me, and the rest is history," Villasenor said. "Ever since that night I think about it and him all the time. ... I would really like the opportunity to compete against him again."

Lawler has won five-straight bouts and is currently WAMMA's fifth-ranked middleweight. The fight would be Lawler's third title defense in less than six months.

Lawler's potential early return to action could signal EliteXC's commitment to building momentum within the financially-burdened ProElite brand. Recent SEC filings have shown huge financial losses for the company.

With heavyweight champion Antonio Silva out following a drug-test failure and lightweight champion KJ Noons unwillingness to fight Nick Diaz, the company was in need of another title fight to market after their Oct. 4 CBS broadcast.

[Noise Chopped]

Name wise, I guess I'd look forward to this fight. Must say, though - My opinion of Lawler's skills dropped quiet a bit after his last performance. He'd get torched by a good number of middleweights in other organizations, I think.

im picking Lawler by 2nd round ko. He is going to mop the floor with Villasenor

[scottsec]

I really think Smokin Joe will beat Lawler...

[Dan0]

Originally Posted by scottsec

I really think Smokin Joe will beat Lawler...

He's pretty tuff, but Robbie showed a lot of heart when he fought Smith this last time out, and he'll need it for Villasenor.

[beardown98]

There are very few fights elite could put together that i would be excited to see outside of the noons diaz rematch.

i think this would be one of them lawler takes this. it will be a stand up fight which i always like to see with alot of KO potential.
I agree with noise chopped as i don't think lawler would do well in an org with higher level comp but hey he is the best guy they got right now so they have to run with it.

[scottsec]

Originally Posted by Dan0

He's pretty tuff, but Robbie showed a lot of heart when he fought Smith this last time out, and he'll need it for Villasenor.

i like Lawler but in those last two fights with Smith he got hit alot.....i just think Joe will catch Lawler...hurt him and then finish....just a hunch.

[jhell]

I think Lawler takes this by k.o in the second round. It's hard to count out a Jackson trained fighter though.

[Noise Chopped]

I hope whoever wins has to take on Maurillo Ninja Rua, .

[jlruthven84]

Originally Posted by The Sundance Kid

I really like Smokin Joe.

But I think Lawler takes it by TKO within two rounds.


Hell I'd like to see Lawler/Trigg again, and I'm pretty sure that could happen because Trigg's contract isn't exclusive.

I doubt the end result would be any different.