Sean Sherk vs. Gleison Tibau at UFC 103

On the eve of UFC 100, MMA Weekly reports that two of the most powerful lightweights in the UFC will meet in Dallas, Texas on September 19th when Sean Sherk (33-4-1, 6-4 UFC) takes on Gleison Tibau (17-7, 5-4 UFC) at UFC 103:

A lightweight contest between Sean Sherk and Gleison Tibau is on tap for UFC 103 on Sept. 19 in Dallas, MMAWeekly has learned from sources close to the fight.

Sherk and Tibau are the big boys of the 155-lb division, with both having competed at welterweight in the past, but Sherk will still likely be giving up a significant size advantage to the Brazilian, whose massive frame somehow manages to shrink down to 155 come weigh-in day.  The American Top Team-trained BJJ black belt has had bright spots in his UFC career, with wins over Rich Clementi, Terry Etim, and Jason Dent, but little success against top competition like Tyson Griffin, Joe Stevenson, and Nick Diaz.  Tibau most recently lost a controversial split decision to Melvin Guillard at the TUF 9 finale last month, in a bout where Tibau seemingly controlled the entire the fight with aggressive takedowns and his trademark smothering top-control, but yet did not find his hand raised after three rounds.

The "Muscle Shark" looked to be on a fast-track back to title contention after scoring a unanimous decision victory over Tyson Griffin in an all-out war at UFC 90, but yet a refusal to fall back on his outstanding wrestling against Frankie Edgar in May at UFC 98 led to fight fans scratching their heads, and Sherk being out-boxed en-route to a decision victory for Edgar.  In victories, Sherk has always dominated his opponents with his serious strength advantage and rocket-powered takedowns, but in Tibau, Sherk finds an opponent who may match his style moreso than any previous foe. 

Like Sherk, Tibau has serious ground skills but often prefers positional dominance over submission attempts, while his takedowns are also more powerful and successful than most BJJ black belts, negating the oft-quoted theory that Brazilian fighters are usually lacking in the wrestling department.  Whether or not Sherk decides to go back to his ground-and-pound of old in September, Tibau might be looking to do just the same.