McCrory Vs Gono at UFC 78

The-Iceman-Chuck-Liddell · 09-18-2007, 12:01 PM

UFC 78: Tamdan McCrory vs. Akihiro Gono Awaiting Signatures — MMAjunkie.com Exclusive -- UFC news at MMAjunkie.com

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Tamdan “Barn Cat” McCrory (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), a 20-year-old mixed-martial-arts prodigy, will likely return to the octagon to face PRIDE veteran Akihiro Gono (27-12-7 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at UFC 78.

The event takes place in the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. on Nov. 17.

MMAjunkie.com (UFC news, MMA news, UFC rumors, UFC gossip, fighter interviews and event previews and recaps - MMAjunkie.com (formerly UFCjunkie.com)) learned of the fight from McCrory’s manager, Ryan Ciotoli, who said the bout is all but finalized.

“He’ll (be at) UFC 78 if he accepts the fight, which I assume he will considering he has fought top guys his whole career,” Ciotoli.

The 6-foot-4, 170-pound McCory, a Cage Fury Fighting Championships vet who began competing professionally in June of last year, entered the UFC and was pitted against Pete Spratt, an opponent nearly twice his age. McCrory, though, used a second-round triangle choke to defeat “The Ultimate Fighter 4” cast member on the UFC Fight Night 10 undercard.

Prior to joining the UFC, McCrory had racked up six of his seven victories via knockout — four of them in the first round.

”(The UFC’s been) trying to get me on that card, being that I’m from the area and have a strong fan base in New Jersey,” McCory told us last month. The fighter lives in Cortland, N.Y.

Gono, a 13-year MMA veteran, had a long career fighting for Shooto, Pancrase and PRIDE.

Gono last competed at PRIDE Shockwave 2006 in December 2006 for a split-decision victory over Yuki Kondo.

The Japanese fighter, who’s known for elaborate ring entrances, has wins over notable Ivan Salaverry and Crosley Gracie, and losses to former UFC champ Matt Hughes, Mauricio Ru and recent PRIDE champ Dan Henderson.

He’ll make his UFC debut at the event.

In addition to McCrory vs. Gono, Ed Herman will take on Dave Terrell at UFC 78, according to MMAWeekly.com.

For the latest UFC 78 fight card, check out the UFC Rumors section of UFCjunkie.com.

I pick Gono in this fight. Tamden isn't to bad though.

Cacti45 · 09-18-2007, 12:32 PM

Gono by whatever he wants, he can easily be a top 5 fighter at 170

CouchBurner · 09-18-2007, 03:32 PM

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Originally Posted by Cacti45

Gono by whatever he wants, he can easily be a top 5 fighter at 170

Sorry, but I highly doubt that. Maybe, and I mean maybe top ten. But top 5? Come on.

Lom Chaney · 09-18-2007, 04:13 PM

McCrory by 2nd Rd TKO.

I have a lot of respect for Gono, but Tamdan goes to my alma mata SUNY Cortland. Go Red Dragons baby.

OneTwoPunch · 09-18-2007, 04:34 PM

I think Tamdan will surprise everyone.

daveyxx · 09-18-2007, 09:46 PM

Tamdan is a beast lol. He's a nerdy lookin' dude, but he's tough. He's always getting better.

Mulla · 09-19-2007, 08:40 AM

Gono will be fighting at 170lbs? Should be good!

Im looking forward to seeing if he comes out with one of his trademark ring entrances!

TheSteveOfMean · 09-19-2007, 12:33 PM

As I've never watched Pride there are guys I've heard a lot about but not actually watched them fight. Looking forward to seeing this.