See Ya

Today, Ken Shamrock told Mauro Ranallo at the Fight Network Radio that he’s been released from his UFC contract. The UFC Hall of Famer (a distinction which translates to very little, apparently) also discussed Dana White’s strong aversion for the IFL, for which Shamrock is a coach, and suggested that Shamrock's IFL affiliation may have soured his dealings with the UFC.

Straight Talk

“I don’t know if he wants to fight, but we haven’t spoken to him and I’m not planning to use him.”

- UFC President Dana White commenting on Ken Shamrock.

Morning Droppings

- Despite rumors about a possible Michael Bisping-Ken Shamrock fight at UFC 75, Bisping is still scheduled to face Matt Hamill, his original rumored opponent.

- In a CBS Sportsline interview, UFC lightweight Jens Pulver has confirmed reports that he’s interested in dropping back down to 145 pounds and fighting for the WEC.

- It looks like the Joey Villasenor-Ninja Rua June 22 Strikeforce/EliteXC fight is back on. The CSAC said last night that the medical issues surrounding Rua were "likely" resolved.

- The International Fight League World Team Championship, scheduled for September 20, has be moved from The Forum in L.A. to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL.

- On Tagg Radio yesterday, Frank Trigg said that, according to Hayato Sakurai's trainer, Sakurai hasn't been contacted about this reported - and highly anticipated - fight with Diego Sanchez. Does this mean the fight is off? Was it ever really on? We'll see.

- I refuse to talk about Kimbo Slice until he wins an MMA fight (legitimately).

- Nikkan Sports is reporting that the "newborn" PRIDE will hold its first new event on August 18 at Saitama Super Arena. The theme of the show will be a “Japanese all-star” presentation, centered around Hidehiko Yoshida. No one reports baseless rumor like the Japanese media, so I'll believe this when I see it.

- Pride middleweight and light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson said that the UFC's $20,000 offer to Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou "was an insult."

Morning Droppings

- The California State Athletic Commission released details yesterday that the legendary Royce Gracie tested positive for such a copious amount of the anabolic steroid nandrolone, that the testing lab couldn't even register it. I don't like hearing news like this.

- Ken "The World's Most Ridiculous Goatee" Shamrock has confirmed that he’s in negotiations with the UFC for a return to the Octagon, but made no mention of who his next opponent will be. As for Shamrock, Shamrock explained, "That time will come when fans don’t want to watch me any longer and my body can't get ready to be at the top level." Check your watch, Ken.

- Now that Zuffa owners Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta have completed their purchase of Pride Fighting Championships, UFC president Dana White is reportedly toying with the idea of dissolving Pride and bringing many of its fighters into the UFC. "There's a lot of different things we could do right now. That is definitely one of the possibilities," White explained. I 'm not sure how I feel about this, so I reserve judgement until more facts are available.

- "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler's recently separated shoulder has pushed back ICON Sport's June 30 fight card to Sept. 15. Lawler, who became 185-lb. ICON champ after knocking out Frank Trigg in March, was injured while training and will be sidelined four to six weeks.

Hammill Out, Shamrock In vs. Bisping at UFC 75

Change of plans.

Michael "The Count" Bisping will put his undefeated mixed martial arts record on the line as he will step into the cage against UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock, not Matt Hammill, at UFC 75 in September. Or so we hear.

The UFC has confirmed that Bisping will appear on the UFC 75 card, but the organization has yet to officially confirm Bisping's opponent, whom insiders believe to be the retired Shamrock.

While Bisping and Shamrock have virtually no history, don't forget that Bisping appeared on Tito Ortiz’s - not Shamrock’s - team on TUF 3 and beat up Shamrock fighter Josh "Bring the Pain" Haynes in the televised finale.

Stay tuned for official confirmation of whom "The Count" will be facing at UFC 75.