MMA Quick Hits 8/23/10: Couture wants to choke Toney, Belfort not waiting for Silva

1. Lashley vs. Bautista getting closer to being made: The long rumored fight between former WWE wrestlers Bobby Lashley and Dave Bautista is likely to happen soon, according to Strikeforce officials. But that all depends on Bobby Lashley future in MMA. Strikeforce has yet to sign Bautista to any contract, but the two sides have had recent dialogue about Bautista’s potential debut fight in MMA. Well, I still think Lashley destroys Bautista, regardless of how he looked this past Saturday night. Reports had him being severely dehydrated, which explains his performance.

2. KJ Noons to get a title shot: After his win over Jorge Gurgel this past Saturday night, KJ Noons now looks to be headed towards a title shot in Strikeforce. According to MMAJunkie.com, the organization is looking to give him a shot at either Gilbert Melendez for the Lightweight Title or a rematch with Nick Diaz for the Welterweight Title. If Noons should draw Diaz, that fight could happen on Strikeforce’s October event since Diaz is already scheduled to appear. I’d rather see him fight Nick Diaz, because I want him to knock Nick Diaz out. But a fight with Melendez would be exciting as well.

3. Couture wants to choke Toney: Randy Couture spoke with the Las Vegas Sun about his upcoming fight with James Toney. “I don’t think it’s a freak show. I give him credit for the things he’s accomplished in boxing. I certainly accomplished a lot of things in wresting that nobody gave me credit for when I made my way in to MMA. Those combative sports count for something. James is going to be dangerous… I would love to choke the hell out of him.” And I’m sure that something like this will happen. It’ll either be a choke or a ground and pound TKO victory for Randy Couture.

4. O2 canisters not illegal: Word has come down from Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation officials on the subject of using 02 canisters during the Strikeforce: Houston event. “The fighters didn’t use anything against the rules,” said cageside physician Jorge Guerrero to MMAFighting.com. “When it’s something that’s not overtly prohibited or limited, it’s usually left up to the doctors at ringside, and we make the call on the spot. I think that’s what happened here.” So they are saying there’s a gray area? Weak. As far as I’m concerned, they cheated. And apparently they can be called for it, they just weren’t.

5. Vitor Belfort not waiting for Anderson Silva to heal: Anderson injury will have no bearing on what Vitor Belfort does. The longtime vet confirmed on Twitter account that he will still be returning this November, but will not be fighting for the middleweight championship this year. “This year I am not going to fight for the title because the champion is hurt. But November we will be in action for sure that is what I can say.” That would put him at either UFC 122 or UFC 123. I’m glad he’s returning. And I’m not so sure he should fight Anderson for the belt anyway. He hasn’t beat anyone in the UFC at middleweight. He should probably fight Chael Sonnen or someone near the top before he gets a title shot.