[EmpireWF]

News broke today that the UFC has signed a light weight fight between B.J. Penn and Joe Stevenson for January 19th in Newcastle, England at UFC 80.

According to Dave Meltzer, the fight will be for the interim UFC light weight title. Reining UFC light weight champion Sean Sherk's status is still in limbo. If he's not suspended, the winner of the Penn/Stevenson fight would fight him for the undisputed title.

Meltzer wrote, "Dana White announced today that 1/19 in Newcastle, England would be headlined by B.J. Penn vs. Joe Stevenson for the interim lightweight title. White said that he's not going to strip Sean Sherk of the title, and that the winner would face Sherk in a unification match. Sherk's hearing on his positive test for Decadurabolin was continued from 10/31. The date listed is 11/13 at present, but that date may have to be moved as at this point there is no state building available on that day to hold a hearing with as many people as would want to attend."

[bears9]

This for the lightweight title?

[EmpireWF]

Originally Posted by bears9

This for the lightweight title?

The interim light weight title.

Reports say Dana White is sick of the way the CSAC is handling the Sean Sherk case. He doesn't plan on stripping Sherk of the light weight title no matter what decision is ultimately found by the Commission.

So no matter how long (if any amount of time) Sherk misses due to a suspension, the UFC will have a light weight title in play. Whomever becomes the interim light weight champion will eventually fight Sherk to crown the undisputed champ sometime in 2008 (probably the Summer).

[bears9]

Thanks for explaining that