– The UFC’s pre-event hype show, “Countdown,” aired recently for UFC 172. The program shows the fighters in preparation for their world title fight. Jones is seeking his seventh successful defense of the belt, while Teixeira is looking to win UFC gold for the first time.
– Glover Teixeira is a close friend and frequent training partner of former UFC champion Chuck Liddell. So, when Liddell says he believes Teixeira will defeat Jon Jones at UFC 172, it’s not too surprising for the champion to hear.
But, when “The Iceman” says he believes – in his prime – he would have defeated Jones, well, “Bones” takes exception to those remarks.
“I know he’s supporting his guy,” said Jones, during a recent interview on UFC Tonight. “Liddell has said he’d beat me in the past. But come on Chuck, knock it off. I respect you. If Chuck wants to come out of retirement, I’d welcome him in a super-fight.”
Liddell retired in 2010 after a third straight knockout loss. He was finished by former UFC champions Rashad Evans, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Rich Franklin before calling it a career and entering the UFC Hall of Fame.
– It was reported on “UFC Tonight” that UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was cleared to use his right hand after surgery two weeks ago. Velasquez is expected to face Fabricio Werdum later this year, likely in the fall, from Mexico.
The wrestling coach for Velasquez told the show that he won’t rush his return to make sure he’s back by November and will not fight until he is 100-percent healthy. The last loss Velasquez suffered came to Junior dos Santos when he stepped inside the Octagon with a knee injury that required surgery.
As for talk of coaching The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America vs. Werdum, his coach stated Velasquez has been approached about the idea and filming could take place in Las Vegas this May.
– In other rumored fight news, Urijah Faber is looking to make a return at UFC 175, while Team Alpha Male teammate Chad Mendes is anticipating a title fight with featherweight champion Jose Aldo in August.
Hector Lombard is seeking a possible fight with Nick Diaz or Patrick Cote, though it was reported on “UFC Tonight” that Cote is not interested. Also, Myles Jury would like to face Nate Diaz, but is also targeting Jim Miller.
