Fights of Fancy: May 2009

With a busy month of fights coming up, mark your calendars because here is a list of fights that are worth watching this May: 

May 1, 2009:

Bellator: Eddie Alvarez (16-2) vs. Eric Reynolds (10-1):

this fight will be part of the Lightweight tournament semifinals of Bellator. Eddie Alvarez is ranked #5 in the consensus MMA rankings. Also on the card, Jorge Masvidal vs. Toby Imada. 

May 2, 2009:

Sengoku VIII: Hatsu Hioki (18-3-2) vs. Ronnie Mann (16-1-1)

One of the tournament favorites and highly ranked Featherweight, Hatsu Hioki faces of against Ronnie Mann. This fight will be a Featherweight Grand prix Quarterfinal bout of Sengoku VIII.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton

Also on the same day, the biggest boxing event of the year. The number one pound for pound fighter, Manny Pacquiao faces of against British superstar, Ricky "hitman" Hatton. You may be a casual or hardcore boxing fan, but this is a fight you don't want to miss. 

May 8, 2009:

Bellator: Wilson Reis (7-0) vs. Joe Soto (5-0)

This card will hold the other half of Bellator's Lightweight tournament semifinals. Also on the card, Estevan Payan vs. Yahir Reyes.. Also on May 8th, Doug Marshall (9-3) vs. Jaime Jara (21-6) at PFC 13.

May 9, 2009:

Shine Fights: Antonio Mendez (16-4) vs. Antwain Britt (6-2)

Jungle Fight: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (16-3) vs. Dion Staring (15-5)

LHW prospect and TUF alum, Antwain Britt faces off against UFC veteran Antonio Mendez, and Lil Nog's first fight in Brazil, as he faces off against Dutch Karate-ka, Dion Staring.

May 10, 2009:

Shooto: Takeshi 'Lion' Inoue (15-3) vs. Rumina Sato (24-13-2)

Shooto: Takanori Gomi (29-5) vs. Takashi Nakakura (11-2-1)

This could be one of the last times the "Moon Wolf"  would step into the ring, and it would be against the very tough, Takeshi Inoue. Also, Former Pride superstar and #15 ranked Lightweight, Takanori Gomi returns against Takashi Nakakura.

May 15, 2009:

MFC 21: Bobby Lashley (2-0) vs. Mike Cook (6-3)

It's Showtime!: Semmy Schilt vs. Badr Hari

May 15 features, WWE Superstar and NAIA wrestling champion, Bobby Lashley's 3rd MMA fight, and K-1 action between Badr Hari and Semmy Schilt. Also on the MFC 21 card, UFC veterans, Travis Lutter and Dean Lister face off.

May 23, 2009:

UFC 98: Lyoto Machida (14-0) vs. Rashad Evans (16-0-1)

UFC 98: Matt Hughes (42-7) vs. Matt Serra (11-5)

This card is obviously the most anticipated card for most MMA fans this month, featuring a UFC Light heavyweight title fight between two undefeated fighters. Rashad Evans is ranked #1 and Lyoto Machida is ranked #3, according to the consensus MMA rankings. The card also features a long awaited grudge match between #6 and #10 ranked Welterweights in Hughes and Serra. Also on the card,Yushin Okami(#2 MW) vs. Dan Miller(#21 MW), and Sean Sherk(#4 LW) vs. Frankie Edgar(#21 LW).

May 26, 2009:

DREAM.9: Tatsuya Kawajiri (23-5-2) vs. Gesias "JZ" Calvancante (14-2-1)

DREAM.9: Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (8-2) vs. Jason "Mayhem" Miller (22-5)

DREAM.9: Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto (17-1) vs. Joe Warren (1-0)

It features a matchup between #7 and #10 ranked lightweights, in Calvacante and Kawajiri respectively. Jacare and Mayhem will rematch for the vacant DREAM Middleweight Championship. This card will also hold the 2nd round of DREAM's Featherweight grand prix. Also in the card, Yoshiro Maeda vs. Hiroyuki Takaya.

May 30, 2009:

Adrenaline MMA III: Tim Sylvia vs. Ray Mercer

This is actually for those who like freakshow fights and train wrecks. Former UFC Heavyweight Champion will fight Former Boxing champ Ray Mercer, under boxing rules and inside a cage.. If that doesn't spell freakshow for you, i don't know what will.