Shogun vs. Forrest at UFC 76?

The following is a translated message from Brazilian mixed martial arts mag TATAME:

"Master Rudimar Fedrigo confirmed to us first-hand that Mauricio Shogun will fight the American Forrest Griffin at UFC 76, which will happen on 22th September in USA."

Rudimar, the founder of the famed Chute Boxe camp, reportedly sad that he and Rua "went specially to Las Vegas to sign the 4-fight contract and record that pre-fight video that shows before the fight."

The news was also reported this morning on Tagg Radio.

The UFC, however, has not yet confirmed the bout, and until they do, I'll hold off on any "Run, Forrest, run!!!" references.

Morning Droppings

- It looks as if a knee injury will keep the newly-signed Mauricio “Shogun” Rua off the UFC 76 in September. According to GracieFighter.com, the extent of the injury should known in the next few days.

- Will Forrest Griffin be the next obstacle for explosive UFC newcomer Houston Alexander? A Midwestfighter.com article reports that Alexander appeared at an OFC event, said that his next UFC fight will be in August or September, and hinted that Griffin could be the opponent. Alexander said nothing definite about his next opponent, but this is a fight I’d like to see, so I’m running with it.

- The good news is that he didn’t test positive for marijuana again. The bad news is that it was coke this time. Former K-1 USA Grand Prix champion Carter Williams tested positive for cocaine after being stopped by Paul Buentello after last weekend’s Strikeforce-EliteXC card. The CSAC has fined Williams $1,000 and suspended him through Dec. 19, 2007.

Dana White: Tito Is A "Big Sissy"

UFC President Dana White told YahooSports! that he wanted Forrest Griffin to face Tito Ortiz, not Hector Ramirez, UFC 72 on Saturday.

According to White, Ortiz apparently declined the rematch in favor of a showdown with Rashad Evans at UFC 73: "Stacked" on July 7.

"Tito didn’t want to come over here, the big sissy," White claimed.

As for Griffin, who lost a close decision to Ortiz last April at UFC 59, he was all for the rematch. "Most definitely, it’s a fight I wouldn’t say no to."

Based on how Forrest looked at UFC 72 agianst Ramirez, I think it was a blessing for him that he did not have to face Tito again, picking up would would most likely have been a second consecutive loss. Forrest, by his own admission, did not train his hardest for UFC 72 and clearly fought not to lose against Ramirez.

UFC 72: Forrest Griffin - Hector Ramirez

Forrest Griffin and Hector Ramirez were up next. Forrest came out to that bad-ass music from The Departed, which brought a smile to the Kodiak's face.

Early in the first round, Ramirez landed a solid shot but spent the rest of the round plodding ahead (kind of) toward the elusive Griffin, whose few strikes did little damage to Ramirez. In rounds 2 and 3, however, Griffin out-punched and -kicked Ramirez (sort of), earning a lackluster unanimous decision.

Griffin didn't show me much, and Ramirez showed me nothing. During the post-fight interview, Griffin babbled something about an injury and not training hard for this fight, and how he was sorry that Ramirez had to fight a guy who was running away the whole time.