The Weekly Wrap: Jan. 17 - Jan. 23

UFC begins to flesh out next six months

The UFC announced this week that Quinton Jackson vs. Keith Jardine will headline UFC 96 on March 7 in Ohio. The fight will headline a main card that will also include Matt Hamill vs. Mark Munoz and Shane Carwin vs. Gabriel Gonzaga. Brandon Vera's fight against Mike Patt will be on the undercard.

There was talk that Rashad Evans would make his first title defense against Jackson on the March 7 show, but UFC President Dana White told Fighters Only magazine this week that Evans will instead defend his title in July against a yet-to-be-named opponent. That July card is expected to be UFC 100. It could also include the Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping fight at the conclusion of season nine of “The Ultimate Fighter.” The show could also be around the time Wanderlei Silva is ready to return to the Octagon. Silva told the UFC following his loss to Jackson on Dec. 27 that he wants to fight no more than every six months, according to The Wrestling Observer.

The Frank Mir vs. Brock Lesnar heavyweight title fight is likely for a UFC 98 on May 23 in Las Vegas, according to multiple reports. The card will also feature Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra. Sean Sherk vs. Frankie Edgar and James Irvin vs. Drew McFedries are likely for that card as well.