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Jun 11, 2009 - 2:07:32 PM By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief A new report from Ariel Helwani at MMA FanHouse has refuted this morning's report from MMAWeekly.com that Takanori Gomi would be facing Brett Cooper on Affliction's "Trilogy" event on August 1st.
The original report was that negotiations were close to being finalized for a catchweight bout at 165lbs. between the lightweight Gomi and welterweight Cooper. Helwani cites Affliction VP Tom Atencio, who told him the bout was never close to being finalized and was only briefly considered. Gomi did not want to fight at a higher weight class, although Atencio said Cooper was willing to drop to the 165 catch weight.
Gomi has not been ruled out of the "Trilogy" card, but this particular bout will not be taking place.
Penick's Analysis: The reasoning makes perfect sense here, as there isn't much reason for Gomi to jump up to fight an under the radar type of guy in Cooper. It would have been huge for Cooper, but if Affliction can keep Gomi on this card in a lightweight fight that would be great as well.
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