LISTER JOINS XTREME COUTURE, READY TO FIGHT

In the swirling waters of today’s mixed martial arts landscape, MMAWeekly has learned that Dean Lister is the latest fighter to join UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture’s camp and is planning a return to the Octagon as part of the UFC’s Dec. 29 event.According to Lister’s manager, Jerry Villasenor, no opponent has been named yet for Lister’s return bout. He did say that Lister would like to face the winner of the Oct. 20 middleweight title bout between Rich Franklin and Anderson Silva that is slated to take place in Cincinnati. Lister lost his last bout by unanimous decision to Nate Marquardt earlier this year, however, so it is unlikely that the UFC would give him an immediate title shot upon his return.Regardless, Lister, regarded as one of the top grappler’s in the world today, is currently in Croatia training with Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic to improve his standup and to help Cro Cop with his ground game.