Mayweather, Cuban discuss union

Apparently, more was being discussed on the set of "Dancing with the Stars" than how to tango.

Mark Cuban told The Associated Press last week he is in discussions to bring "Dancing" castmate and WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. on board with his HDNet Fights mixed martial arts promotion.

"We're definitely going to work together," Cuban said Friday. "It's just a question of in what capacity. You just don't jump from being a boxer to an MMA fighter overnight. He's got to test the waters."

Cuban launched HDNet Fights this year in hopes of establishing an MMA organization with the viability to compete with the reigning power, the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

While other promoters have tried, the billionaire owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks possesses two key traits that many other start-ups have lacked -- exposure and essentially unlimited capital.

It may be those two resources that allow him to bring in a guaranteed draw such as Mayweather and make an actual go of competing with the UFC.

While it is still unclear how close a deal may be or even in what capacity Mayweather would serve -- promoter, coach or participant -- the union is not being dismissed by his camp.

"It's definitely something he is interested in, and when Floyd makes his move, obviously it's going to be a mega event," Mayweather adviser Leonard Ellerbe told ESPN.com. "We don't have a timetable. Floyd is taking some time off, but Floyd understands what is involved. You have to take time to go out and understand what you're getting involved in, and he's ready to do that."

HDNet Fights has staged two events thus far, the most recent coming on Dec. 15 in Dallas with a card that featured a unanimous-decision victory for Jason "Mayhem" Miller and a first-round submission victory by Las Vegan Frank Trigg.

• FRANKLIN INJURED -- Former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin will not be able to fight Travis Lutter at UFC 82 on March 1 in Columbus, Ohio, because of a torn meniscus in his right knee.

The bout was to be Franklin's first since losing a bid to reclaim his title from current champion Anderson Silva in October.

The main event on the card will be Silva defending his title against Pride Fighting Championships 185-pound champion Dan Henderson.

• GANDULLA TESTS POSITIVE -- Ariel Gandulla, who unsuccessfully challenged Doug Marshall for the World Extreme Cagefighting light heavyweight title on Dec. 12 at the Hard Rock Hotel, tested positive for steroids.

The result was announced by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Thursday.

• STEELE CAGE CARD -- The card for Friday's Steele Cage Promotions event at the Riviera has been finalized and will include two International Fighting Organization title bouts.

Light heavyweight champion Travis Wiuff will defend his belt against Jesse Veium, and Del Hawkins will meet Brandon Foxworth for the 135-pound title.

Foxworth had his 14-fight winning streak snapped by Manny Tapia at the WEC event at the Hard Rock Hotel in May.

The card also will feature the organization's first women's bout, with veteran boxer Elena Reid taking on Tammie Schneider.

Reid, a Las Vegas resident, will be making her MMA debut. Schneider also is a professional boxer, but she has posted an 0-2 record in two MMA appearances.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or (702) 224-5509.