MMA Gospel Staff Makes UFC 137 Predictions

 Posted by at 12:29 PM  UFC  3 Responses »
Oct 292011
 

(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC 137 main card has survived a series of blows to its line-up to finally come to fruition tonight at the promotion’s primary stomping grounds, the Mandalay Bay Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. To kick off the Pay-Per-View festivities, perpetual underdog and TUF 8 alum George Roop (12-6-1) welcomes Japanese sensation Hatsu Hioki to the Octagon for his stateside debut. Two former WEC stand-outs go to battle as multiple-time “Fight of the Night” winner “Young Guns” Scott Jorgensen (11-3) is pitted against fellow bantamweight and seasoned submission guru “Big Frog” Jeff Curran (35-13-1). The famed head kicks of  ”Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (27-10-2) will likely make an appearance when the former PRIDE superstar takes on inaugural IFL Heavyweight Champion and TUF 10 winner “Big Country” Roy Nelson (15-6). The co-main event sees another heavyweight clash, this time between renowned French kickboxer Cheick Kongo (16-6-2) and the man who “pisses excellence” each time he steps foot in the Octagon, “Meathead” Matt Mitrione (5-0). Former UFC Lightweight and Welterweight Champion “The Prodigy” BJ Penn (16-7-2) goes head to head with Stockton native “Diablo” Nick Diaz (24-8) of Cesar Gracie tutelage in the evening’s marquis event – a pairing that already showed fireworks at last night’s weigh-ins. Despite its rocky start, the UFC once again has managed to string together an event chock full of promising match-ups that are nearly certain to render the full gamut of results. Continue reading »

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UFC 128 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Mauricio Rua vs. Jon Jones

 Posted by at 6:54 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Mar 182011
 

Top 205lbs. prospect Jon Jones (black shorts) will have to use his seemingly effortless takedowns to prevent "Shogun" from collapsing the pocket on the feet. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones will take place this Saturday in Newark, New Jersey as the world’s premier MMA promotion returns to the Garden State. The card brings together some of the best names from the UFC’s acquisition and prospect building efforts over the last several years as WEC, PRIDE, and TUF stars all enter the cage alongside some of the UFC’s best homegrown contenders. The night opens with “Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (27-9-2) against “The Hybrid” Brendan Schaub (6-1) and Dan Miller (13-4) vs. “The Great” Nate Marquardt (30-10-2) in bouts that showcase the two major elements of MMA, one being a stand-up war and the other a ground fighter’s affair. Next on the slate are two bouts from the lighter side of the UFC as WEC standouts “The California Kid” Urijah Faber (24-4) and Eddie Wineland (17-6-1) follow the lightweight contest between “The Prince of Persia” Kamal Shalorus (7-0-2) and ”The Mongoose” Jim Miller (19-2) to the cage. However, the headline light heavyweight title fight between “Bones” Jon Jones (12-1) and incumbent champion “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (19-4) is the bout that has the MMA world buzzing. It is a match of raw athletic skill against experience with as many outside factors thrown in to influence the fighters as one could want. Continue reading »

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MMA Gospel Staff Makes UFC 128 Predictions

 Posted by at 3:11 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Mar 172011
 

(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The highly coveted UFC Light Heavyweight Championship title is up for grabs yet against this Saturday night, as young gun “Bones” Jon Jones (12-1), still on a high from dominating and submitting then-undefeated top 205lbs. prospect “Darth” Ryan Bader (12-1) at UFC 126 last month, takes on PRIDE hero and reigning UFC light heavyweight champ “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (19-4) in the main event at UFC 128. The supporting acts feature an impressive gamut of old guard monarchs of MMA, former champions, and up-and-coming prospects with “The California Kid” Urijah Faber (24-4) taking on premier WEC Bantamweight Champion Eddie Wineland (17-6-1), “The Mongoose” Jim Miller (19-2) squaring off with “The Prince of Persia” Kamal Shalorus (7-0-2), New Jersey native Dan Miller (13-4) stepping in as a late replacement for “Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-4) and facing “The Great” Nate Marquardt (30-10-2), and last but certainly not least, famed kickboxer “Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (27-9-2) vs. The Ultimate Fighter 10 alumni “The Hybrid” Brendan Schaub (6-1).

UFC 128 already ensures that it is an event not soon to be forgotten. Below are the MMA Gospel staff’s picks for UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones – share your predictions with us, and come Saturday night, the MMA world will see who reigned supreme inside the Octagon at the UFC’s most recent effort. Continue reading »

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UFC 128 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Urijah Faber vs. Eddie Wineland

 Posted by at 12:57 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Mar 172011
 

Urijah Faber's (blue gloves) striking is more athletic than technical, and he will need to use his powerful takedowns to control Wineland rather than rely on his hands. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Newark, New Jersey will play host to the Ultimate Fighting Championship this Saturday night as UFC 128 roars into the Garden State with a Light Heavyweight Championship match between “Bones” Jon Jones (12-1) and the reigning 205lbs. champ “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (19-4) headlining a card packed with talent from all walks of MMA life. The old guard of PRIDE faces the new breed from The Ultimate Fighter to kick things off as “Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (27-9-2) takes on the well rounded blue chip fighter “The Hybrid” Brendan Schaub (6-1). The always dangerous Dan Miller (13-4) then replaces “Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-4), who pulled out of his UFC 128 match due to the massive earthquake hitting his native Japan last week, as he puts his submission skills to the test against the former King of Pancrase “The Great” Nate Marquardt (30-10-2) and “The Prince of Persia” Kamal Shalorus (7-0-2) pits his WEC built undefeated record against the man who some say should be at the top of the contenders list in the lightweight division, “The Mongoose” Jim Miller (19-2). Serving in the capacity of co-main event for the card is a battle of WEC ground-and-pounders as the former featherweight king “The California Kid” Urijah Faber (24-4) continues his bantamweight crusade against the inaugural WEC 135lbs. champion Eddie Wineland (17-6-1). Continue reading »

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UFC 128 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Jim Miller vs. Kamal Shalorus

 Posted by at 7:37 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Mar 172011
 

Submission specialist Jim Miller (bottom) hopes to take a step closer to UFC lightweight title contention by defeating former WEC stand-out Kamal Shalorus. (Photo courtesy of David Baron and Sherdog)

This Saturday, March 19, in Newark, New Jersey, the UFC presents a Cinderella story as “Bones” Jon Jones (12-1) steps into the Octagon to face UFC Light Heavyweight Champion “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (19-4) at UFC 128. The headliner is one that has most MMA fan on the edge of their seats as the old PRIDE hero faces the UFC up-and-comer and reflects the rest of the card perfectly. UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones is stacked with matches that pit standouts of the non-UFC MMA world against the cream of the crop of the UFC’s middle tier including “Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (27-9-2) against The Ultimate Fighter 10 finalist “The Hybrid” Brendan Schaub (6-1), “The Great” Nate Marquardt (30-10-2) vs. a very game late replacement in Dan Miller (13-4), and WEC featherweight star “The California Kid” Urijah Faber (24-4), the longtime poster child of why the UFC should merge with the WEC, opposite fellow WEC stand-out Edward Wineland (17-6-1). Also slated for action are WEC warrior “The Prince of Persia” Kamal Shalorus (7-0-2) and UFC submission ace “The Mongoose” Jim Miller (19-2). The bout is a meeting of classic foes as Shalorus will pit his fast paced wrestling game against the slick submissions of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Sparta, New Jersey. Continue reading »

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UFC 128 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Mirko Filipović vs. Brendan Schaub

 Posted by at 6:43 AM  MMA News, UFC  1 Response »
Mar 162011
 

Seasoned PRIDE and UFC veteran Mirko "Cro Cop" (right) pits his legendary kickboxing against up-and-coming heavyweight slugger Brendan Schaub in UFC 128's main card opener this Saturday night. (File photo)

It seems that the UFC has outdone itself again with another solid night of fights planned out at UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones. In the main event, “Bones” Jon Jones (12-1) hopes to add the UFC light heavyweight title to his resume when he faces the champion “Shogun” Mauricio Rua (19-4). WEC bantamweights light up at the co-main event when both “The California Kid” Urijah Faber (24-4) and Eddie Wineland (17-6-1) make their UFC debuts.  “The Great” Nate Marquardt (30-10-2) takes on a very game late replacement Dan Miller (13-4) in a middleweight showcase. One of New Jersey’s favorite sons, and also the younger brother of Dan Miller, “The Mongoose” Jim Miller is set to engage with former WEC lightweight “The Prince of Persia” Kamal Shalorus (7-0-2). If this card were not stacked enough, kicking the main card off: rising heavyweight “The Hybrid” Brendan Schaub (6-1) hopes to add lethal kickboxer and PRIDE Grand Prix winner “Cro Cop” Mirko Filipović (27-9-2) to his trophy case of victims. Between the veteran who still has plenty of fight left in him and the upcoming star who seeks to advance towards glory at his expense, this match-up promises fireworks. Duck out of work early, fake sick from the family outing, make any excuse needed. “The Hybrid” and “Cro Cop” is a fight that is not one to miss. Continue reading »

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“Semtex” Paul Daley Misses Weight; Forfeits Title Shot at BAMMA 5

 Posted by at 5:28 PM  Features, MMA News, Strikeforce  1 Response »
Feb 252011
 

"Semtex" Paul Daley came in 2lbs. over weight for his title fight against Yuya Shirai in tomorrow night's BAMMA 5 main event. (Photo courtesy of Lee Whitehead and MMA Weekly)

For the fifth time in “Semtex” Paul Daley’s (23-10-2) past 11 fights, the British slugger has missed weight. And this time, not even an extra hour made a difference.

Daley was slated to take on DEEP Welterweight Champion Yuya Shirai (13-8) in the main event tomorrow night for the British Association of Mixed Martial Arts’ (BAMMA) currently vacant welterweight title at BAMMA 5 in Manchester, England. But during today’s event weigh-ins, Daley came in at 172lbs. – two pounds over the limit – reportedly due to his hotel’s malfunctioning sauna. He was given an hour to drop the additional weight, during which he reportedly traveled to another location in attempt to shed the extra pounds in a working sauna. His second attempt on the scale rendered a reading of 170.4lbs., which still exceeds the limit for a title fight. Consequently what was scheduled to be a five-round title fight is now reduced to a non-title three-round affair. Shirai on the other hand made weight, coming in at 169.6lbs. Continue reading »

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BAMMA Rocks the UK with “Daley vs. Shirai” Card This Saturday

 Posted by at 6:51 PM  MMA News  No Responses »
Feb 222011
 

(Photo courtesy of BAMMA)

The British Association of Mixed Martial Arts (BAMMA) steps away from its usual stomping grounds of London and Birmingham in the United Kingdom to bring MMA fans in the City of Manchester a blistering card with BAMMA 5: Daley vs. Shirai this Saturday night.

BAMMA 5 is highlighted with bouts between some of the UK’s well known top prospects and local fan favorites, while its main event and co-main event feature names the American audience may find more familiar. Recent UFC castaway and The Ultimate Fighter 10 alum “The Hammer” James McSweeney (4-6) takes on a seasoned veteran and former UFC Heavyweight Champion in “Suave” Ricco Rodriguez (44-11) in the evening’s co-main event heavyweight tilt. The main event pits UFC veteran and heavy-handed British slugger “Semtex” Paul Daley  (23-10-2) against Pancrase and M-1 veteran and DEEP Welterweight Champion Yuya Shirai (13-8), where the winner will earn the title of BAMMA’s very first welterweight king. The stakes of Saturday night’s championship bout are particularly high for Daley, who was recently dubbed the top contender to challenge Strikeforce Welterweight Champion “Diablo” Nick Diaz (23-8) for the UFC-rival promotion’s 170lbs. belt. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has stated that should Daley come out on the winning end of his BAMMA 5 bout, he gets the title shot – if not, “the deck gets reshuffled”, according to MMA Junkie. Continue reading »

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UFC 126 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Jon Jones vs. Ryan Bader

 Posted by at 7:21 AM  MMA News, UFC  1 Response »
Feb 032011
 

Muay Thai kickboxer "Bones" Jon Jones (red trunks) has some of the most devastating striking in the UFC's light heavyweight division and rounds out his game nicely with a formidable ground game courtesy of his Greco-Roman wrestling background and time spent at Jackson's Submission Fighting training center. (Photo courtesy of Dave Mandel and Sherdog)

Superbowl Sunday is undoubtedly one of the biggest sports day of the year, and to conclude the NFL 2010-2011 season the Pittsburgh Steelers will meet the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, February 6 in Dallas, Texas.  However, on the eve of the big game, the UFC will be hosting one of the biggest mixed martial arts shows of the year live from its hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada in the form of UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort. The event is considered to boast the most stacked card since UFC 100, with former WEC bad boy “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone (12-4) facing Wolfslair Academy graduate Paul Kelly (11-3), fan favorite Miguel Torres (37-3) making his UFC debut against fellow former WEC bantamweight Antonio Banuelos (18-6),  a collision between former champions with Forrest Griffin (17-6) facing “Ace” Rich Franklin (27-5), and in the main event, top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world and current UFC Middleweight Champion “The Spider” Anderson Silva (27-4) defending his belt for a record eighth time against dangerous striker “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (19-8). Another bout on this star studded fight card features a match-up between arguably two of the premier young light heavyweights in the world, when Jackson’s Submission Fighting trained “Bones” Jon Jones (11-1) meets undefeated The Ultimate Fighter 10 alum “Darth” Ryan Bader (12-0).  The lone blemish on Jones’ record came via disqualification due to some illegal elbows in a fight he was dominating against “The Hammer” Matt Hamill (9-2).  The winner of this fight will most certainly be considered a top five light heavyweight in the UFC, if not the world. Continue reading »

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UFC 126 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Donald Cerrone vs. Paul Kelly

 Posted by at 7:51 PM  MMA News, UFC  1 Response »
Feb 012011
 

Donald Cerrone (left) must rely on his world class submission skills against Paul Kelly if he wishes to start his UFC career with a victory. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

This Saturday night the Ultimate Fighting Championship holds another mixed martial arts spectacle with UFC 126 at the Mandalay Bay Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.  One of the most stacked fight cards in recent UFC history, the event will showcase Jackson’s Submission Fighting trained “Bones” Jon Jones (11-1) facing The Ultimate Fighter 10 alum “Darth” Ryan Bader (12-0), former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin (17-6) versus former UFC 185lbs. champ “Ace” Rich Franklin (27-5), and in the main event, top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world and current UFC Middleweight Champion “The Spider” Anderson Silva (27-4) against dangerous striker “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (19-8) for the middleweight belt. Though not on the main card, one of the most talked about fights offered at UFC 126 is the UFC debut of “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone (12-4) against UFC veteran and former Wolfslair fighter Paul Kelly (11-3). Both of these men are well on their way to becoming truly well rounded fighters, but each comes from a different background. Cerrone is deadly on the ground with ten of his 12 victories coming by submission. On the other side, Kelly has proven a solid striker with five TKO’s in his 11 wins. The result is a meeting in the middle as the classic Striker vs. Grappler match is met with the kickboxer who can grapple and the submission fighter who can box. Continue reading »

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UFC Fight for the Troops 2 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Matt Mitrione vs. Tim Hague

 Posted by at 8:03 AM  MMA News, UFC  1 Response »
Jan 212011
 

The superior stand-up of Matt Mitrione (white trunks) will likely end "The Thrashing Machine" Tim Hague's night in short order. Mitrione is 3-0 in the UFC, with wins over Marcus Jones, "Kimbo Slice" (black trunks), and Joey Beltran. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

Tomorrow night in Fort Hood, Texas, the UFC hosts its second Fight for the Troops event to benefit the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. The night’s action includes performances from some of the UFC’s most exciting fighters including the sharp-tongued “The Young Assassin” Melvin Guillard (25-8-2), top lightweight prospect Evan Dunham (10-1), The Ultimate Fighter 8 alum George Roop (11-5), kickboxer “The Machine” Mark Hominick (18-7), American Top Team stand-out “Magrinho” Cole Miller (17-4), “Handsome” Matt Wiman (12-5), fan favorite “Hype or Die” Pat Barry (4-3), and boxer “The Mexicutioner” Joey Beltran (10-3). Also on the main card is a heavy-duty battle between The Ultimate Fighter Season 10 alum “Meathead” Matt Mitrione (3-0) and King of the Cage veteran “The Thrashing Machine” Tim Hague (10-4).  Mitrione has won all three fights in his short UFC career starting with a knockout over fellow TUF 10 competitor “Big Baby” Marcus Jones (4-2), then deflating the hot air from “Kimbo Slice” Kevin Ferguson (4-2) then Joey Beltran at UFC 119.  Tim Hague has fought four times under the UFC banner going 1-3 with his lone win coming over Pat Barry and his three losses coming by the hands of Joey Beltran, Todd Duffee (5-1) and Chris Tuchscherer (16-3). The bout is an important crossroads for both men, as a loss would likely cost Hague his place in the UFC and a win would send Mitrione into the fringes of the title picture. Continue reading »

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UFC Fight for the Troops 2 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Pat Barry vs. Joey Beltran

 Posted by at 11:21 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 202011
 

"Hype or Die" Pat Barry's (black trunks) kicks will help play a significant role in his upcoming fight against Joey Beltran. With vicious power behind each leg, Barry likely will be able to slowly neutralize any threats Beltran offers. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

For all the men and women in uniform serving and fighting each day to protect Americans’ lives and freedom, it seems fitting at the very least that the UFC presents a second installment of Fight for the Troops as a way of saying “thank you”. This Saturday night from Fort Hood, Texas, UFC Fight for the Troops 2 aims to do just that and show both American and worldwide audiences just how grateful citizens are for the troops’ service. Before the card’s main event featuring the explosive “The Young Assassin” Melvin Guillard (25-8-2) versus Jiu-Jitsu wizard Evan Dunham (10-1), undefeated The Ultimate Fighter 10 alum Matt Mitrione (3-0) competes against “The Thrashing Machine” Tim Hague (10-4) in the co-main event, former WEC featherweights George Roop (11-5) and “The Machine” Mark Hominick (18-7) battle it out as a supporting event, and proceeding American Top Team stand-out “Magrinho” Cole Miller (17-4) taking on “Handsome” Matt Wiman (12-5), two of the heavyweight division’s heavy-limbed strikers are set to take the stage at Fort Hood for a stand-up war. On one end of the Octagon will stand the energetically animated yet equally lethal kickboxer in “Hype or Die” Pat Barry (4-3). The opposite side will bear a former King of the Cage contender and concrete-handed “The Mexicutioner” Joey Beltran (10-3). With a majority of both fighters’ bouts ending in a (T)KO, the troops returning back home are promised a fight nothing short of memorable. Continue reading »

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UFC Fight for the Troops 2 Pre-Fight Breakdown: George Roop vs. Mark Hominick

 Posted by at 3:21 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 192011
 

Muay Thai kickboxer Mark Hominick (red/black shorts) takes on WEC alum George Roop at UFC Fight for the Troops 2 this Saturday. If he wins, Hominick will face Jose Aldo for the UFC Featherweight Championship. (Photo courtesy of Al Quintero and Sherdog)

This Saturday night The Ultimate Fighter 8 alum and WEC veteran George Roop (11-5-1) will face “The Machine” Mark Hominick (18-7) in a main card featherweight clash at UFC Fight for the Troops 2. The event also features “Handsome” Matt Wiman (12-5) taking on American Top Team stand-out “Magrinho” Cole Miller (17-4), a heavyweight tilt between fan favorite “Hype or Die” Pat Barry (4-3) and “The Mexicutioner” Joey Beltran (10-3), TUF 10 alum “Meathead” Matt Mitrione (3-0) facing “The Thrashing Machine” Tim Hague (10-4), and top lightweight Evan Dunham (10-1) versus “The Young Assassin” Melvin Guillard (25-8-2). Mark Hominick originally was slated to challenge WEC Featherweight Champion turned UFC featherweight champ “Junior” Jose Aldo (18-1) in his first UFC title defense at UFC 125 on New Year’s Day but an injury forced Aldo from the card.  Now, Roop steps in for a fight Hominick can’t afford to lose. Following his stint on The Ultimate Fighter, Roop went 1-2 in the UFC and was consequently dropped by the organization. He went on to earn a win in a regional promotion then signed with the WEC 15 months after receiving his UFC pink slip. There, Roop found himself down a weight class, at featherweight, where he’s gone 1-1-1 including a second round head kick KO victory of “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung (10-3).   Mark Hominick has also had a run in the UFC previously, going 2-0 before dropping down from lightweight to featherweight and currently rides a four fight winning streak coming into his main card tilt with George Roop. The match has serious implications for both fighters, as a loss could easily result in being dropped from Zuffa’s roster once again. Continue reading »

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UFC Fight for the Troops 2 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Cole Miller vs. Matt Wiman

 Posted by at 7:46 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 192011
 

Matt Wiman (white/blue trunks) faces American Top Team stand-out Cole Miller this Saturday at UFC Fight for the Troops 2. The lightweights will be fighting to earn a coveted spot at the top of the 155lbs. division. (Photo courtesy of Dave Mandel and Sherdog)

This Saturday night the UFC presents their second edition of Fight for the Troops out of Fort Hood, Texas. The card may lack the typical plethora of mainstream contenders, but don’t fall into the trap of thinking that just because names such as “Rampage” Quinton Jackson (29-8) or “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (21-2) are not on the card that this is a lackluster event. UFC Fight for the Troops 2 presents a who’s who of fighters ready to take their game to the next level.  In the main event the Greg Jackson protege “The Young Assassin” Melvin Guillard  (25-8-2) takes on the rising star of Evan Dunham (10-1). Former NFL star and The Ultimate Fighter Season 10 stand-out Matt Mitrione (3-0) will encounter King of the Cage veteran “The Thrashing Machine” Tim Hague (10-4) and the newly acquired WEC featherweights will make their UFC debut with Mark Hominick (18-7), currently riding a four fight win streak, against another TUF alum in George Roop (11-5) who is returning to the Octagon after a second round head kick knockout of “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung (10-3). Two of the UFC’s heavyweight colossuses will encounter in a fan-friendly stand-up war when “Hype or Die” Pat Barry (4-3) meets with “The Mexicutioner” Joey Beltran (10-3), but the honors of kicking the main card go to three-time Submission of the Night winner “Magrinho” Cole Miller (17-4) and three-time Fight of the Night winner “Handsome” Matt Wiman (12-5). These two not only will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of America’s servicemen and women at Fort Hood, Texas, they will set the bar for the night to follow. Continue reading »

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