Report: Roller-Tavares Targeted for UFC Live 3

Shane Roller: Dave Mandel | Sherdog.com

Both Roller and Tavares have agreed the bout, which is expected to be finalized shortly, according to a report from MMAJunkie.com. Though not yet announced by the promotion, “UFC Live 3” is rumored to take place in Louisville, Ky.

A three-time NCAA Division I All-American at Oklahoma State University, Roller was a standout in the WEC lightweight division. He held a record of 6-2 inside the blue cage, with his only losses coming to former champion Benson Henderson and current 155-pound title-holder Anthony Pettis.

The 31-year-old Roller earned two “Submission of the Night” bonuses during his time with WEC. The Team Takedown product most recently bested former champion Jamie Varner at WEC 53 on Dec. 16. After securing Varner’s back, the Oklahoman applied a rear-naked choke and forced Varner to submit at 3:55 of the opening frame.

A nine-time UFC veteran, Tavares looked sharp in his last bout at UFC 119, where he took out newcomer Pat Audinwood. Stepping in for an injured Aaron Riley, Tavares wasted no time in locking up a tight guillotine choke and submitting the American just 3:47 into the first round. The Brazilian is 2-0-1 in his last three bouts, having also defeated future featherweight title challenger Manny Gamburyan and drawn with wrestler Nik Lentz.