Here is a list of signings I missed along the way this month (and prior). If I couldn't find a solid date for the signing I made it May 31*, so if you have any updates in that area please let me know.
| Name | Record | Weight (RANK) | Transaction Info | Fight Card | Date |
| Murilo Rua | 20-12-1 | 185/205 (#188 MW) | Signed by Iron Man Championship | IMC 15, June 7 | April 19 |
| Paulo Filho | 24-4-2 | 185/205 (#59 LHW) | Signed by Iron Man Championship | IMC 15, June 7 | April 19 |
| Jake Rosholt | 12-3-0,1NC | 185 (#28) | Signed by Xtreme KO | XFO 15, June 2 | May 18 |
| Chidi Njokuani | 7-3-0 | 170 (#242) | Signed by Resurrection FA | RFA 3, June 30 | May 23 |
| Eddie Sanchez | 13-6-0 | 265 (#31) | Signed by Fight Nights RUS | FN-Battle of Moscow 7, June 7 | May 27 |
| Patrick Cote | 17-7-0 | 185 (#58) | Signed by UFC | UFC 148, July 7 | May 30 |
| Phil Baroni | 14-14-0 | 170 (UR) | Signed by Ring of Fire | ROF 43, June 2 | May 30 |
| Scott Smith | 17-10-0,1NC | 185 (#156) | Gladiator Challenge via Strikeforce | GC, June 23 | May 31* |
| Cameron Dollar | 10-4-0 | 145 (#216) | Signed by Ring of Fire | ROF 43, June 2 | May 31* |
| Rene Nazare | 10-2-0 | 155 (#188) | Signed by Universal Combat | UCC 5, June 8 | May 31* |
| Jimmie Rivera | 8-1-0 | 135 (#43) | Signed by Ring of Combat | ROC 41, June 15 | May 31* |
| Tim Sylvia | 30-7-0 | 265+ (#32 HW) | Signed by New England Fights | NEF 3, June 16 | May 31* |
One of the big match-ups I missed was the un-retirement party of both Ninja Rua and Paulo Filho as they meet in the headliner of Brazil's Iron Man Championship on June 7. While it's an understatement to say that neither have been at the top of their game in the last couple years, it's still an intriguing match-up in the train wreck sort of way. But back in 2006 these two warriors met at the top of their game and put on a compelling battle at Pride Bushido 10 that Filho won by overwhelming decision. It was pointed out in Tatame that Filho is back with trainer Josuel Distak who coached him back before his epic meltdown...anyone care to predict what happens before, during, or after this bout?
Patrick Cote returns to the UFC to meet Cung Le at UFC 148. The Predator has the unenviable task of coming in against the aged, yet powerful Cung 'POW!' Le and his arsenal of spinning everythings. And yet this is probably his best option in regards to name opponents in a UFC return bout. If Cote pulls the upset, a la Jamie Varner, his stock rises immensely. If he loses he's at least done the UFC a favor and will most likely get another fight to prove he belongs. Only a boring fight or a 30 second KO would be detrimental to the Canadian in this fight. Cung has never been in a boring bout and is hungry for his first UFC win, so this has fireworks all over it.
You can also see that Scott Smith has taken a step back down to the regional scene for the first time since '07. Smith is still listed on the Strikeforce roster so this is definitely a make or break fight against Marcus Gaines (9-18-1 -UR). Good to see Strikeforce allowing fighters to take confidence building bouts outside their promotion, but I'm still baffled as to the reasons behind the tight wallet when they need new additions to their roster...if the promotion continues that is.
Many thanks to all of you who enjoy these, I appreciate all the props my MUTHERFUKERS give me...LETS!
Please check out past issues
MMA Transaction Wire: May 25-30
MMA Transaction Wire: May 18-24
MMA Transaction Wire: May 11-17
MMA Transaction Wire: May 4 - May 10
MMA Transaction Wire: April 28-May 3
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