Falcao-Sakara Targeted for UFC Live 3

Fighter's Prime Management, the company that represents Falcao, first released the news on the company's Web site on Thursday. Though the event is scheduled to take place on March 3, no location has been set. Neither the bout nor the event have been officially announced by the UFC.

Falcao comes off a strong showing in his UFC debut in November, as he dominated up-and-comer Gerald Harris and nearly finished the fight in round one. After a powerful flurry of punches stunned Harris, the Brazilian secured his back and nearly choked him out. As the first frame came to a close, albeit several seconds too early due to a timekeeping mistake, Falcao failed to release the hold well after the bell sounded.

After winning the second round as well, Falcao fought conservatively in the third, seemingly content to ride out a unanimous decision. The Chute Boxe product has been widely criticized for his third-round performance at UFC 123. Typically a devastating striker, “Big Rig” holds 21 of his 26 career victories by knockout. He rides an eight-fight win streak into his upcoming fight with Sakara.

Sakara was slated to fight Jorge Rivera in the co-main event of UFC 122, but the Italian was forced to withdraw from his fight in light of a last-second bout with gastritis that left him unable to compete.

Though it was reported that Sakara wanted to fight, he was advised against it when the severity of his flu-like symptoms became apparent, and the bout was scrapped. “Legionarius” was originally supposed to face Rivera in August at UFC 118, but both fighters were eventually forced off the card due to injuries. Sakara has won three-straight fights in the Octagon, including victories over James Irvin, Thales Leites and a “Knockout of the Night” performance against Joe Vedepo.

The 29-year-old Sakara holds nine of his 15 wins by KO.