Florian to face Huerta in August

Conman · 04-28-2008, 07:44 PM

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Sources from both fighters’ camps have confirmed that Kenny Florian will face Roger Huerta at UFC 87 on Aug. 9 in Minneapolis, Minn. The fighters have received and are expected to sign their bout agreements.

Florian is just weeks removed from an impressive win against Joe Lauzon at UFC Fight Night 13 in Broomfield, Colo. The Boston lightweight has been rapidly climbing back to contender status since his loss to Sean Sherk for the lightweight title at UFC 64.

Florian knows his next shot at the lightweight belt is on the line.

“It’s kind of rare when you get two guys who are positively number one and number two in the division that are actually going to fight to be the number one contender to fight for that belt later on,” Florian told MMAWeekly.com. “I think it will be great for both of our careers, and it’s the biggest fight you can put together in our division.”

Huerta, who currently resides in Minnesota, exploded onto the scene in 2007 with five straight victories, most recently a come-from-behind win against Clay Guida at The Ultimate Fighter 6 finale that was widely considered to be one of the best fights of 2007. The fight with Florian will be his first in nine months, part of a self-expressed desire to take time off following one of the busiest stretches in his career.

“He’s a game opponent, and he’s never going to quit,” Florian said of Huerta’s reputation. “It doesn’t matter how tired he gets, he’s gonna keep going, and those are the kind of guys that I want to fight. He’s on a roll, he’s very confident right now. And I like the kid. I know him personally. He’s a good kid, and we get along great. He has a bright future, regardless of what happens in the fight with me.”

The showdown will bolster a fight card that also touts another match-up with strong local interest between Minnesota native Brock Lesnar and former UFC heavyweight champion and Ohio State wrestler Mark Coleman.

Huerta was unavailable for comment.

By Tom Hamlin/MMAWeekly.com

For once I will be rooting for Florian.

giguer · 04-28-2008, 07:58 PM

Nice nice

War Huerta

That gonna be a war there

opsy · 04-28-2008, 08:01 PM

I'm taking Florian, 4rd submission, and see him as a 5/4 favorite

Pitbull · 04-28-2008, 08:04 PM

I think Florian's fight against Joe told me a lot about Kenny. I think Kenny is a better grappler and striker than Huerta.

Kenny takes this one.

KungFuGrip · 04-28-2008, 08:14 PM

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Originally Posted by Pitbull

I think Florian's fight against Joe told me a lot about Kenny. I think Kenny is a better grappler and striker than Huerta.

Kenny takes this one.

The real question will is "Will Kenny Finish Huerta?"lol I think it's safe to say this fight could go to a decision. I'm sure it be a back and forth battle for the books as well.

asronn · 04-28-2008, 08:15 PM

Florian will finish him in the 1st

Oberfuhrer42 · 04-28-2008, 08:36 PM

i will be rooting for Huerta, but i too think KFlo will catch him in something, probably from the bottom.

DISCO · 04-28-2008, 08:53 PM

Gotta say Huerta's one of my favorite fighters. Alas, so was Diego.

Not because of their win streaks, but because of the explosiveness with which they fought their early fights and also because of the excitement they brought... Well until Diego got so wrapped up in himself, protecting his "perfect record" such that his focus became misplaced, and his immaturity was explosed. I worry that that's also what's in store for our Sports Illustrated Poster Boy.

But hey, I've always been a Giants fan, even when their city was down on them... and I stuck it out. (Luckily for me, the G-Men shocked everyone.) So until Roger gives me cause to lose faith in him, I'm thinking he'll weather Florian's bjj and win with sheer moxie.

I'm thinking Huerta's going to shock everyone, too.

NateRupe · 04-28-2008, 09:35 PM

This is going to be one of the best fight's ever, I'm really excited for this one, K-Flo is gonna keep coming and Huerta won't quit, I'll be rooting for Huerta but I think Kenny will cut him open and finish him in the final round.

Ryduce · 04-28-2008, 09:41 PM

Mark my words...

Huerta will have nothing for KenFlo.

whmurphy46 · 04-28-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DISCO

Gotta say Huerta's one of my favorite fighters. Alas, so was Diego.

Not because of their win streaks, but because of the explosiveness with which they fought their early fights and also because of the excitement they brought... Well until Diego got so wrapped up in himself, protecting his "perfect record" such that his focus became misplaced, and his immaturity was explosed. I worry that that's also what's in store for our Sports Illustrated Poster Boy.

But hey, I've always been a Giants fan, even when their city was down on them... and I stuck it out. (Luckily for me, the G-Men shocked everyone.) So until Roger gives me cause to lose faith in him, I'm thinking he'll weather Florian's bjj and win with sheer moxie.

I'm thinking Huerta's going to shock everyone, too.

Disco I couldn't agree more. Early on, I thought Diego had so much heart and explosion, that he could become a champ. His talent is not on level with a GSP or Penn, but Diego, like Huerta fights so hard and doesn't quit, you gotta respect them. I hope Diego comes back like he began. And Huerta...ehh, I like Kenflo on this one.

Pitbull · 04-28-2008, 09:57 PM

I don't mean to stray away from the topic, but I don't think Diego's intensity has changed. He's still the same guy, IMO. He just faced two guys, in Fitch and Koscheck, who are very talented.

Back on topic, it's nice to think that Huerta can win on determination alone. But to feel that way means you are ignoring Florian's skills.

Kurtis636 · 04-28-2008, 10:06 PM

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I'm taking Florian, 4rd submission, and see him as a 5/4 favorite

I will bet you all the money I have that Kenny doesn't finish him in the 4th.

Pitbull · 04-28-2008, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurtis636

I will bet you all the money I have that Kenny doesn't finish him in the 4th.

You, sir, would win that bet.

bayouboy · 04-28-2008, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitbull

I think Florian's fight against Joe told me a lot about Kenny. I think Kenny is a better grappler and striker than Huerta.

Kenny takes this one.

fullonshred · 04-28-2008, 11:48 PM

Great fight, I am glad this is going to happen. I respect both guys a lot. Huerta showed much heart against Guida and got off of my **** list.

Kenny by vicious GnP in 2nd round.

Ztous · 04-29-2008, 12:12 AM

Did Huerta hook up with Jackson? If he is training there with GSP and all the other guys at Jacksons camp then I will pick him as a slight favorite.

theEmpiric · 04-29-2008, 12:15 AM

Huerta by "just cause im on the cover of sports illustrated doesnt mean you to have to hate me"

no really I think he has the skills to take this. i see kenflo as the favorite, and he looked great against joe, but I think Huerta is a bad man, and if hes training with GSP, then hes gonna be scurry

Jenkins83 · 04-29-2008, 12:27 AM

Should be a great fight. I could see it going either way, but I think it's more likely that Florian is going to come out of it with the win.

The-Iceman-Chuck-Liddell · 04-29-2008, 12:34 AM

Kenny all day.