The UFC has officially released the full fight card lineup for next month’s UFC 93 event in Dublin, Ireland.

What originally looked like it was going to be another lower-tier European fight card actually has some very intriguing matchups.

Main Card
• Dan Henderson vs Rich Franklin (light heavyweight)
• Mark Coleman vs Mauricio Rua (light heavyweight)
• Denis Kang vs Alan Belcher (middleweight)
• Marcus Davis vs Chris Lytle (welterweight)
• Rousimar Palhares vs Jeremy Horn (middleweight)

Undercard
• Tomasz Drwal vs Ivan Serati (light heavyweight)
• Antonio Mendes vs Andre Gusmao (light heavyweight)
• Tom Egan vs John Hathaway (welterweight)
• Dennis Siver vs Nate Mohr (lightweight)

The main event between Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin is a huge matchup for both fighters. After dropping both of his PrideFC titles in his first two UFC fights, Henderson picked up a unanimous decision victory over Rousimar Palhares at UFC 88. Franklin is making his second appearance at light heavyweight after defeating Matt Hamill via TKO at UFC 88 as well.

The Marcus Davis vs Chris Lytle fight should be an excellent battle for however long it lasts. Both guys are going to stand and trade their trademark punches and we are looking at an early candidate for Fight of the Night and possibly Knockout of the Night.

The UFC-centric audience will also get their first exposure to excellent middleweight and former PrideFC standout, Denis Kang. Kang’s first fight in the UFC isn’t a gimme however as Alan Belcher can matchup with anyone when he comes prepared to fight.

After many failed attempts at a UFC return, form UFC heavyweight champion Mark Coleman will finally make his return as well after having over a two year layoff. Coleman last fought at Pride 32 where he lost to Fedor Emelianenko via submission in the 2nd round. “The Hammer’s” last win came against Mauricio Rua and that is what makes this fight intriguing.

Coleman defeated Rua when “Shogun” fell awkwardly on his arm and severely dislocated his elbow. Rua himself has also had a substantial layoff, having not fought since his submission loss to Forrest Griffin at UFC 79 in 2007. On paper, Rua has to be the clear favorite just as he was in their last matchup, but we all know that anything can happen in MMA. Shogun has been battling with serious injuries since 2007, as has Coleman, and this fight will be an intersting one to watch. We could (hopefully) see the last fight of Mark Coleman’s career.

UFC 93 is currently scheduled for January 17, 2009 at The O2 Arena in Dublin, Ireland.