5 Oz. Exclusive: Nick Catone expected to fight Amir Sadollah at UFC 91 in Las Vegas
September 4, 2008 by Sam Caplan
FiveOuncesOfPain.com has learned from two independent sources in the last 24 hours that USKBA middleweight champion Nick Catone is expected to face Amir Sadollah at UFC 91 on Nov. 15 in Las Vegas.
Bout agreements between Catone and Sadollah have not been signed but could be finalized by early next week.
Both Sadollah and Catone have fighting roots on the East Coast with Sadollah having made a name for himself as an amateur while a part of Team Combat at the Combat Sports Center in Richmond, Virginia.
Meanwhile, Catone has fought for two major regional promotions on the East Coast and currently trains out of UFC middleweight Ricardo Almeida’s gym in New Jersey.
Sadollah had never fought pro before being selected to compete on the seventh season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” where he successfully defeated Gerald Harris, Matt Brown, and C.B. Dollaway (twice) en route to becoming the winner of the show’s middleweight tournament.
If the bout is signed, it would mark Catone’s debut in the UFC. He is 5-0, according to Sherdog’s fight finder, with his last four victories have been early stoppages in the first round. He most recently competed for Lou Neglia’s Ring of Combat on June 27, where he recorded a first round TKO over Erik Tavares.
So far only two bouts have officially been announced for UFC 91 with Randy Couture defending the UFC heavyweight title against Brock Lesnar and a lightweight encounter between Kenny Florian and Joe Stevenson.
(Pictured: Nick Catone slamming John Howard)
I wasn’t a huge fan of Amir at the start of his season of the Ultimate Fighter, but he has grown on me. He seems to be a solid, well-rounded fighter with a big heart. The UFC will certainly test him with more experienced fighters such as Catone.
Favorite line of Amir’s during recent Ultimate Fighter season:
(Prediction for Matt Brown’s upcoming fight)
“I predict Matt Brown by…. murder (shrugs).”
I have been to a few of Nick’s fights. He fights all out. Never boring
GOOD LUCK NICK
These are the reports that make this website second to none. These are great and informative. So much better than that third grade discussion from Brett Rogers. Thanks
I can’t wait to see this fight! I have seen Nick’s last few fights in the ROC and he has been very impressive. Catone is War!
OH
ufc/wec has been picking up some east coast talent lately
Awesome matchup! If this news is true then the UFC is going to put a very popular eastcoast warrior in Nick Catone up against a popular UFC fighter. This fight is going to draw alot of interest. I have seen both fighters and have been amazed by Nick Catone in his NIGHTMARISH attacks on his opponents. Catone always fills the venue with supporters and fans of the sport. Catone appears to have all the tools and the mindset to bring a complete and all out WAR into the UFC cage. Amir Sadollah is now an established champion within the UFC and we know he will also bring on his best game. If this news is accurate then I can’t wait to see this pay per view event. With all due respect to Sadollah, I would give the edge to the hungry, determined, and lethal, Nick Catone. It goes without saying that New Jersey will be watching and backing Nick Catone who is an awesome fighter and true standout in the sport. Catone will represent the eastcoast with pride and honor.
I DON’T HEAR ANYONE SAYING HE SHOULD BE FIGHTING A TOP NOTCH OPPONENT ALA KIMBO SLICE.WHAT DIFFERENT STANDARDS.
[...] fight was recently reported by our friends at fiveouncesofpain.com, which stated that bout agreements could be signed this [...]