UFC middleweight, Michael Bisping looks likely to face either Chael Sonnen or Patrick Cote in his first fight of 2011 if he manages to defeat Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 120 on October 16th after striking up a war of words with the duo over the past couple of weeks.

Sources close to the situation revealed the news to Fighters Only Magazine, although it doesn’t exactly take a rocket scientist to work that one out for themselves.

Bisping has been desperate to force his way into title contention since losing to Dan Henderson at UFC 100. Mixed results against Dennis Kang, Wanderlei Silva and Dan Miller have led the Brit to the periphery of a shot at the title should he pick up back-to-back wins from here.

Standing in his way of course is the talented judoka, Akiyama, who he faces on home soil in London England later this year, before taking on either Sonnen or Cote, with neither man likely to pull any verbal punches if they get the nod.

UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva kept his title by the skin of his teeth tonight at UFC 117 in Oakland, California, submitting Chael Sonnen with just fifty seconds remaining in the fight having lost each and every round.

Sonnen comes straight after Silva but eats a right hand. Sonnen goes for the takedown but fails. Sonnen flicks out a leg kick which Silva catches. A big right hand from Sonnen stuns the champ and several more follow up. Sonnen continues to land punches before gaining the takedown. Sonnen lands a series of elbows as Silva attempts to escape. Sonnen continues to land with effective ground and pound. Sonnen steps back and dives back in with a left hand that lands flush to end the round.  read more »

DENNIS HALLMAN VS. BEN SAUNDERS

Round 1 - Referee Marcos Rosales in the cage for the evening's first fight. Hallman moves forward quickly. Saunders scores a knee inside, but Hallman pushes forward and into the clinch. Saunders with his back to the cage as he tries to remain upright. Hallman lands a few knees to the chin. Saunders tries to break free and spin away, but Hallman has a firm bodylock. Hallman finally trips Saunders to the floor and takes half-mount. Hallman postures with a few short punches and elbows. Saunders tying things up underneath, but it's a bit slow and the crowd boos halfway through the round. Hallman comfortable on top but not working to advance. A few elbows score from the top, but Saunders remains in half-guard. Less than a minute. Hallman start to open up the top and Saunders' face shows the wear. Fight stays there until the bell. Not fast-paced, but a clear round for Hallman on the MMAjunkie.com card, 10-9.  read more »