Soares: Handshake Deal Brings Lil' Nog to UFC

Ed Soares was as proud as can be in the post-fight press conference at UFC 102. With client and friend Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira a few feet away giving interviews about his victory over Randy Couture at Saturday's event in Portland, Ore., it was a good night for the manager.

Next to Rodrigo was twin brother Rogerio, a pint smaller than former Pride and UFC heavyweight champion. Rodrigo promised "Lil' Nog" was UFC bound in the pre-fight buildup, and while Soares said the deal wasn't done, it was all but certain to see the light heavyweight Nogueira in the cage by year's end.

"He's gonna be with the UFC," said Soares. "I don’t know when he’s going to fight. I believe he’s going to fight by the end of the year. They haven't announced anything, but Nogueira said it in the press conference.

"The deal's not completely finalized, but Dana and I shook on it already, so the deal's done, we're just working out the details."

The characteristically tight-lipped Soares did not mention any potential opponents for Rogerio. There are, however, a multitude of tough match-ups waiting. All that's left is the details.

Anderson Silva Ushers in a Little Down Time at Usher Concert

Every great fighter in the world has to take time out of a busy training schedule to relax and enjoy some down time...even the best pound for pound fighter on the planet.

That's what UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, did recently when along with manager Ed Soares and others attended an Usher concert.

"I'm actually headed over to pick up Anderson (Silva), heading out to the Usher concert right now," Soares told MMAWeekly Radio on Wednesday.

"You wouldn't think that we'd be going to an Usher concert but Usher and Anderson got to meet each other and Anderson's a big fan of Usher, and as you saw in his fight against James Irvin, Usher was there in the audience watching his fight."

The R&B superstar has sold out hundreds of arenas and sold millions of records around the world, but having the best fighter in MMA in your corner may be one of the best people to have around!

Bobby Southworth and Yves Edwards Radio

On Tuesday night, MMAWeekly Radio welcomes Strikeforce light heavyweight champion, Bobby Southworth and Yves Edwards to the show just days before the big event in San Jose this Friday.

Southworth defends his 205lb title against Renato "Babalu" Sobral, while Edwards faces late replacement Duane "Bang" Ludwig after original opponent Josh Thomson had to drop out of the fight due to injury.

The show starts at 9pm EST/6pm PST at MMAWeeklyRadio.com

Also don't forget to log into the live fighter chat to talk to other fans and ask questions on the show.

Wednesday night the guys welcome Kim Couture and manager Ed Soares to the show.