MMA Gospel

Stipe Miocic (left) may represent the stand-up fighter in his striker vs. grappler match-up against Walel Watson, but his Div. I level wrestling tilts the odds of winning decidedly in his favor. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC will lock “The Dream” Diego Sanchez (23-4) in the cage with Jake Ellenberger (25-5) after a night of solid fights this Wednesday as UFC on Fuel TV: Sanchez vs. Ellenberger hits the airwaves. The card will follow what so far has been the status quo with the UFC/FOX deal: big names headlined by title bouts on FOX, mid-tier and up-and-coming fighters headlined by big names on FX, and journeymen and new faces headlined by mid-tier fighters on Fuel TV. Opening the night, TUF alum TJ Dillashaw (4-1) will face the hardened young slugger fromSan Diego, Walel Watson (8-3). Strong Style MMA knockout machine Stipe Miocic (7-0) will trade leather with fellow undefeated journeyman Philip DeFries (5-0). “A-Train” Aaron Simpson (10-2) will look to keep his recovery from back-to-back losses in 2010 going strong with a win over dangerous Brazilian Ronny Markes (1-0) who sits 12-1 when fights contested outside the Unified Rules of MMA are considered. Shoring up the main event is a bout between two men poised to make a name for themselves in UFC heavyweight division, “Pee Wee” Dave Herman (20-2) and “Skyscraper” Stefan Struve (20-5). The fights are a glimpse at some of tomorrow’s top contenders and, more importantly from a spectator’s perspective, an evening of fights between fighters who are undeniably hungry to impress the fans and their bosses. Continue reading »