5. Diaz has been properly TKO’d once in his career… over eight years ago.

Diaz has been TKO’d twice in his career, and one of those times had nothing to do with Diaz being separated from his mental faculties. Diaz has in fact been properly stopped by punches only once in his career, losing by TKO to Jeremy Jackson way back in September 2002. Since that time, Diaz has fought some of the toughest strikers and hardest punchers in several major promotions, from the UFC to PRIDE FC, from EliteXC to Strikeforce. Diaz’s chin has held up remarkably well these past eight (going on nine) years, and based on its toughness and the fact that Diaz is so great at ducking and dodging, I just don’t think it’s going to fail him again anytime soon.

4. The last three fighters Paul Daley (T)KO’d all had major (T)KO’s on their record shortly before meeting Paul Daley.

You can love him or hate him, but Josh Koscheck raised an excellent point where he claimed that he had loosened up the chin of Dustin Hazelett a year before Paul Daley ever got a chance to KTFO him. But it doesn’t stop there: Scott Smith is equal parts famous and infamous as a “Comeback King” because he usually comes very close to being KO’d before he makes a dramatic comeback, and he was in fact coming off a pretty hard (T)KO loss to Cung Le before he met Daley. As stated previously, it hadn’t even been a year since Josh Koscheck brutally KO’d Dustin Hazelett when Daley KO’d Hazelett. And Martin Kampmann? Again, it hadn’t even been a year since Nate Marquardt TKO’d Kampmann when Daley TKO’d Kampmann. Daley’s last three KO’s, impressive though they were, were all against fighters that had their chins tested and found wanting shortly before they met “Semtex”.

3. Paul Daley hasn’t fought a true top-division welterweight since being booted out of the UFC on the heels of a one-sided loss to Josh Koscheck.

Who has Daley beaten since his post-fight scuffle with Josh Koscheck got him permanently exiled from the sport’s biggest and most competitive promotion? He beat Scott Smith, who is a tough veteran but has never emerged as a true championship contender in Strikeforce. He beat Jorge Masvidal at Shark Fights 13, but most fans know Masvidal as the fighter that was on the wrong end of that amazing Inverted Triangle Choke by Toby Imada, the one that quickly became a viral video. Daniel Acacio hasn’t been relevant since the last time he fought in PRIDE… in 2005… in a fight that he lost. Depending on who he fights, a three fight win-streak is normally a great indicator that a fighter is ready either for top-division fighters or a championship opportunity outright… but Daley’s last three opponents have virtually all been “gimme” fights.

2. Diaz hasn’t lost in over three years, and realistically, that number should be higher.

Diaz’s last loss was in November 2007, which was a hugely-controversial doctor’s stoppage due to a cut. The outcome spawned an intense rivalry between Diaz and the winner of the bout, KJ Noons, a rivalry that was recently settled once and for all when Diaz pummeled Noons for nearly five whole rounds in the rematch that took several years to get properly worked out. Diaz also had a win over Takanori Gomi in PRIDE FC, but it was overturned and the outcome was changed to a No Contest when Diaz tested positive for marijuana. Considering the fact that Diaz would have more than likely beat Noons the first time if the fight hadn’t been called off, given the outcome of their second encounter, he should be on a ten-fight win-streak instead of an eight-fight win-streak. And depending on how you personally view marijuana and its effects as a performance-enhancing drug, that undefeated streak should conceivably be as high as fourteen straight fights, with Diaz being undefeated since early 2006.

And my number one reason why Nick Diaz will beat Paul Daley is because…

1. Paul Daley crumbles under pressure.

Nick Diaz has lost seven times, but he’s been to a decision five times. Paul Daley has lost nine times and has only been to a decision on three occasions. Even when you take into account the fact that Paul Daley’s lone (T)KO victory was due to a dislocated thumb, that shouldn’t overshadow the fact that Daley has been submitted on five separate occasions and lost all three of his decision fights by Unanimous Decision. Make no mistake, Daley’s raw punching power represents a major threat to any fighter regardless of their past history. But if a fighter is brave enough to look past that and skillful enough to nullify it, Paul Daley can be made to look like an outright amateur. When a fight doesn’t go exactly his way and doesn’t remain in the one and only element he’s ever been any good at, Paul Daley can crumble and has crumbled under pressure. And against Nick Diaz, he’ll crumble again.

So, fans and friends, that’s why I think Nick Diaz will be able to resoundingly beat Paul Daley. And what about you? What’s your take on the matter?

The one and only Sherdog reports that Dustin Hazelett has been released from his UFC contract. “McLovin” hasn’t seen a mark in the W column November 2008. His latest loss, a first-round submission to Mark Bocek at UFC 124, was his third loss in a row. His two losses before that both came by way of (T)KO, as both Rick Story and Paul Daley were able to separate Hazelett from consciousness.

Sherdog also reports that Canadian TJ Grant will be kept aboard the UFC ship despite his recent loss, and has in fact signed a new four-fight contract. Grant has been up-and-down in the UFC ever since debuting in the promotion in April 2009: Grant is 3-3 in the largest and most competitive MMA organization in the world and he’s immediately followed every single one of his wins in the UFC with a loss. Grant’s latest loss was to Ricardo Almeida on the undercard of the recent UFC 124: “St. Pierre vs. Koscheck 2” event.

As much as I’ve enjoyed watching Dustin Hazelett in the past, I never considered myself a fan of the man. As such, I’m not too beat up about him getting the axe. He was a good performer, sure, and he was able to string together some great victories before this three-fight skid took him tumbling down the mountain. But let’s be bluntly honest, and try to see things from the perspective of the UFC’s top brass. If a three-fight losing streak where you’re finished each and every time and (T)KO’d twice isn’t a good enough reason to get your pink slip, I just don’t know what is. I’m sorry to all the “McLovin” fans for what I know must be some tough news to hear, but let’s not fool ourselves into thinking that this was an unjustified release.

In regards to TJ Grant, I’ve never had any major problems with the man because, in all honesty, I’ve never had any real reason to pay attention to him. Grant’s only lost in the UFC by decision, and the few times I do remember watching him, I never saw anything to form a negative opinion over. Grant may have a 1.0 win/loss ratio in the UFC, but that’s a lot better than it initially seems after you realize how easy it is to lose in the UFC. Sometimes being branded as average is a far more suitable distinction than being branded as on the decline and on your way out. Grant has earned his opportunity to continue to try and prove himself in the UFC, so I think it’ll be interesting to see what he makes of these four fights.

And what about you, fans and friends? Any reaction to Grant’s new contract or Hazelett being let go?

Champion GSP will look to make his fifth successful title defense against foe Koscheck. The two had met previously at UFC 74, where the American Kickboxing Academy product was riding a 5-fight win streak inside the cage coming into the bout, meanwhile, “Rush” was coming off of a disappointing and shocking knockout loss to the unheralded Matt Serra at UFC 69.

While competitive in spots, St. Pierre was able to dominate the wrestling department against the former NCAA champion, en route to a unanimous decision victory.

UFC officials made the fight-card official yesterday, with GSP vs Koscheck serving as the headliner. While the card is filling up quickly, no co-main event has been announced as of yet.

The rematch is 3 years in the making, and both competitors have improved leaps and bounds. While GSP has gone undefeated since then, eventually reclaiming his welterweight title against Matt Serra in a rematch at UFC 83 in his native Montreal Josh has faltered against some of the top competition in his division. With losses to Brazilians Thiago Alves and Paulo Thiago inside of a three-fight stretch, Josh was able to bounce back with three-straight wins over Frank Trigg, Anthony Johnson, and most recently UFC castoff Paul Daley (UFC 113), have enabled the brash and cocky fighter his shot at the title.

No other bouts have become official as of yet, however the following bouts are rumored for the fight card as well.

Thiago Alves vs. John Howard
Mark Bocek vs. Dustin Hazelett
Sean McCorkle vs. Stefan Struve

So, MMA peeps, what do you think of the fight card so far? With the bout officially official, who do you think takes the rematch? Sound off in the comment section below.

After dropping back-to-back fights to notables Paul Daley and Rick Story–which was his most recent fight at UFC 117, where the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist was eventually TKO’d in the second round by the surging welterweight contender–Dustin has decided to try his hand once again in the lightweight decision.

Initially beginning his career as a lightweight, the drain on his body is what ultimately led the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who trains under UFC and Strikeforce veteran Jorge Gurgel.

A tall, lanky, and thin fighter, additional weight to be lost is what he calls resulted in some of his sluggish performances, especially in his UFC-155 pound debut against Deigo Saraiva some years ago–though he won the bout by unanimous decision.

After winning several “Submission of the Night” awards over the likes of veterans Josh Burkman and Jonathon Goulet, it seemed like Dustin was on the fast track towards a title shot, before his most recent mishaps. He hopes that UFC 124 against fellow lightweight grappler Mark Bocek may get him back on track.

Bocek is no slouch on the ground either. While recently riding a three-fight win streak inside the UFC, all by way of submission, Bocek hit a roadblock at UFC 111 when he met division standout and now budding contender Jim Miller, losing by unanimous decision.

Both men, especially Hazelett, need a win to stay alive in the ultra-competitive 155-pound division.

UFC 124 is taking place in Montreal, Quebec, Canada at the Bell Centre and will be headlined by champion Georges St. Pierre defending his title against Josh Koscheck. Bocek, a fellow Canadian, will be welcomed to a warm reception come December 11.

MMAJunkie was able to confirm the bout with sources close to the event.

So, MMA peeps, who do you think takes this match up? Is it loser leaves home? And do you think either man can return to top form like we’re used to seeing? Sound off.

After Anderson pulled out a Hail Mary, fifth round submission, after challenger Chael Sonnen dominated the Brazilian for the better part of 4 and half rounds, the Blackhouse teammate was able to pocket “Fight of the Night” and “Submission of the Night” honors, on top of a hefty payday.

The figures below, which is formatted from MMAJunkie.com, were originally disclosed by the California State Athletic Commission, following the bout on August 7.

Anderson Silva: $200,000 (no win bonus)
def. Chael Sonnen: $35,000

Jon Fitch: $108,000 (includes $54,000 win bonus)
def. Thiago Alves: $60,000

Clay Guida: $56,000 ($28,000 win bonus)
def. Rafael dos Anjos: $12,000

Matt Hughes: $200,000 ($100,000 win bonus)
def. Ricardo Almeida: $35,000

Junior Dos Santos: $80,000 ($40,000 win bonus)
def. Roy Nelson: $15,000

Rick Story: $22,000 ($11,000 win bonus)
def. Dustin Hazelett: $18,000

Phil Davis: $18,000 ($9,000 win bonus)
def. Rodney Wallace: $6,000

Johny Hendricks: $40,000 ($20,000 win bonus)
def. Charlie Brenneman: $8000

Tim Boetsch: $32,000 ($16,000 win bonus)
def. Todd Brown: $6,000

Stefan Struve: $30,000 ($15,000 win bonus)
def. Christian Morecraft: $6,000

Dennis Hallman: $30,000 ($15,000 win bonus)
def. Ben Saunders: $12,000

So, Anderson and Matt Hughes were the night’s top earners, deservedly so, but…is anyone surprised by the numbers? For a long time, Anderson has been coveted by UFC President Dana White, as the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, however his numbers don’t represent that. 6 figures, yes, however, a 12-0 i run in the UFC, and moves to light heavyweight would attract a larger base pay and win bonus for the Brazilian, should GSP rack in larger numbers.

Some can make the argument that yes, Georges St. Pierre is a much more popular fighter than Silva of course, at least with Anderson’s most recent performances (aside from UFC 101 and 117), but should popularity or credentials be more decisive come contract time, and a fighters due?

It’s something I run back and forth with, and can’t really decide. I guess that’s why they leave it up to head honchos to figure that kind of stuff out, but what do you think? Performance vs Popularity, which is greater?

Johny Hendricks vs Charlie Brenneman

Will Hendricks ever see a UFC main card, ever again?

Marking his UFC debut in some-what controversial action, when he knocked off season 7 ultimate fighter winner Amir Sadollah, with a barrage of punches early, signaling the referee to wave off the contest in just 29-seconds into the first round.

None the less, Hendricks has backed up his performance with two more commanding performances inside the octagon against Gabriel Gonzaga teammate, Ricardo Funch, as well as Canadian TJ Grant, in his most recent performances. While his style primarily consists of a ground and pound effort, made popular by his teammates and recognized collegiate wrestlers Jake Rosholt and Shane Roller based out of Team Takedown (ironically enough), out of Las Vegas, Nev., Hendricks is still waiting for another stoppage victory inside the octagon, in order to make an immediate impact in the UFC’s crowded welterweight division–but Brenneman might not be the right type of opponent for such a feat.

Brenneman, a winner of the popular “Pros vs Joes” show on SpikeTV, has opened up his MMA career with a respectable 11-1 record, and hails out of team AMA Fight Club, with the likes of Miller brothers Dan (UFC middleweight) and Jim (UFC lightweight contender), Eddie Alvarez, Chris Liguori, and UFC champion Frankie Edgar at his disposal, the sky is the limit for Brenneman.

While most believed that DREAM welterweight grand prix finalist Jason High had the wrestling credentials to stifle any of Charlie’s offense, which includes an evolving ground game with impressive strikes from within guard, “The Spaniard” was able to nullify most of his takedown offenses, enroute to a unanimous decision victory in his UFC debut–but he won’t be nearly as lucky with Hendricks.

Johny, who has some of the more impressive wrestling credentials in the UFC’s welterweight division with consecutive NCAA Division I titles in 2005 and 2006, and a 2007 second place finish, has the stuff to get the nod in what will sure to be his fourth consecutive win inside the octagon, which may earn him some much needed TV time, post fight.

Johny Hendricks via Unanimous Decision

Phil Davis vs Rodney Wallace

This bout won’t require too much finesse, as that outcome seems all but a done deal for 205-pound stud, Phil Davis, who has been likened to a phenom of the UFC’s light heavyweight division, much like that of Jon Jones, and for good reason..he’s that good.

Just under two years in the game, and with the sort of wrestling pedigree that Davis comes from, theres no reason why the sky would be limit for the 25-year-old out of Pennsylvania.

Opening up his UFC debut against former WEC light heavyweight champion Brian Stann, Phil controlled every aspect of the fight, with an agressive ground game, moving to mount at near will, applying submissions, but eventually settling for a unanimous decision. His next bout saw him step in on short notice against heavy handed striker Alexander Gustafsson, eventually ending it with an anaconda choke in the last moments of the first round.

Rodney, though, has not been as lucky. After dropping back-to-back bouts against the aforementioned Stann and then to Jared Hamman (though winning “Fight of the Night” honors in a crowd pleaser), Wallace has the wrestling, but not that on the level of Davis.

While Wallace stands at just 5’9 in a sea of monsters in the 205 pound division, he will meet his end and inevitable walking papers after said bout.

Davis’ evolving Jiu-Jitsu game will come into play.

Phil Davis via Submission Rd. 1

Last but certainly not least…

Dustin Hazelett vs Rick Story

An intriguing welterweight matchup against the returning Jiu-Jitsu officionado Hazelett and Rick Story, will be an early “Fight of the Night”, says I.

With Story’s vitality and Hazelett’s obvious ground skills, the outcome of this fight is a serious toss up.

Dustin in his last fight, was seen on the losing side of things, opposite of UFC castoff Paul Daley, when he was viciously knocked out with a left hook followed up by additional punches on the ground after a hairy standup exchange went a wry–but dont let that fool you.

“McLovin” has a good standup arsenal, as most may remember him rocking Koscheck early with a punch-high kick combo several fights back, though he lost, gained much respect.

Since then, Hazelett has shown every bit of the Jiu-jitsu black belt he is, submitting Josh Burkman in a crafty wizor-to armbar transition that still has people gawking.

Story though, is a specimen himself. A strong, durable, welterweight, doesn’t know the meaning of “back up”. as his style is ingrained solely on moving forward and on the constant offense.

This style may be his downfall, as even exchanges early may see Story over zealous, and impatient, taking the fight to the mat and eventually meeting his demise.

Dustin Hazelett via Submission, Rd. 3

tune in for the Main Card break down—and keep in mind I’m no “high authority”, just offering opinion and open to discussion to anyone and all.

The fight had been renegotiated as a 172-pound catchweight fight after Daley couldn’t make the 171-pound welterweight limit Friday.

Among hardcore American UFC fans, the fight was to be a second coming out for Hazelett, considered one of the best MMA submission grapplers in any division.  But, for Daley and his English fans, it was a coming out for the explosive kickboxer instead.

Hazelett utilized his four-inch height advantage with jabs and teep kicks to keep Daley outside early.  And, Hazelett launched a snapping high kick to keep Daley honest, though Daley blocked the brunt of the kick.

But, 15 seconds or so after the two minute mark of the co-main event, the jiu-jitsu blackbelt, Hazelett, and Muay Thai champion, Daley, stood toe-to-toe in an exchange that ended with a Daley looping left hook flooring Hazelett.  Daley pounced, but it was academic as Hazelett was finished after the big shot and the referee ended the fight.

The win for Daley is marred by his inability to make the 170-pound limit and therefore doesn’t count towards the division rankings, though he was awarded the $50,000 Knockout of the Night award denied to “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (8-3) after he missed weight then KO’d eighth-ranked welterweight “Zenko” Yoshiyuki Yoshida (10-3) at UFC 104 in Los Angeles October 24.

Ironically, UFC President Dana White announced after the fight that sixth-ranked Josh Koscheck (14-4) is a likely next opponent for Daley.  Koscheck was Johnson’s follow-up to Johnson’s overweight KO performance and Koscheck tapped Johnson in a rear naked choke at UFC 106 in Las Vegas November 21.

Daley is without question an exciting kickboxer, but Fighters.com remains skeptical Daley will be able to compete at the top of the division due to his lack of basic grappling skills.  He’s been submitted five times, most recently in an armbar by second-ranked Jake Shields (24-4-1) at EliteXC Heat in October 2008.  Though the UFC’s emphasis on exciting stand-up fights has benefitted Daley in his two knockout wins, Daley will be put on his back eventually like “Assassin” Houston Alexander (9-5) before him.

The loss is particularly disappointing for Hazelett.  It was his second time stepping up in competition and again ended in Hazelett layed out on his back.  And, it’s the third consecutive disappointment to come out of the Cincinnati-based camp headed by Jorge Gurgel (13-6).

MMA Gospel Radio (MGR): We are excited to have you on the show. You are on of the biggest up and coming fighters right now. Everyone is talking about Dustin Hazelett. You earned your black belt under Jorge Gurgel, you have three submission of the night honors. People see you as a jiu jitsu guy. Tell me about your stand up game because I know you have been working on it.

Dustin Hazelett (DH): I have been working really hard on my stand up for a long time. I have been helped out a lot by my thai coach Dorian Price who is an excellent coach. Also he is built a lot like me so I can utilize alot of the same moves, tricks and tools that he uses. It has been a huge help. I have been looking forward to fighting since I have been working so hard on it for so long and putting so much hard work into it. I am looking forward to kind of showing it off.

MGR: We talked about your submission game. You are being touted as having one of the best submission games in MMA. How does it feel to be compared to guys like Demian Maia and Jacare?

DH: It is awesome to be compared to people like that because they are obviously so great at jiu jitsu and I really don’t think of myself like that so it is cool to see other people think of me like that.

MGR: I asked our previous guest Luke (Zachrich) a similar question, having earned your black belt under Jorge, I know it frustrates me, I know Jorge and it frustrates me watching him fight at times knowing he is going against his strong point. Is it frustrating for you as well?

DH: You mean to watch him stand there and brawl instead of using his jiu jitsu?

MGR: Exactly!

DH: (laugh) Yeah, it’s kind of frustrating but I have talked to him about it a couple times at length. He says he just has fun standing and MMA is one of those things that you can’t get into for the wrong reasons. You can’t get into it if you don’t love doing it. I am a firm believer in that and you should have fun doing it. If you have fun standing and brawling then I guess you should stand and brawl.

MGR: I guess so. Honestly, I scream at the TV when I watch Jorge fight sometimes.

DH: You and me both (laugh)

MGR: Getting back to you, you hold wins over Josh Burkman, Tamdan McCrory. Of those two who do you feel was the most difficult opponent for you?

DH: I would say Burkmann was the more difficult opponent for me. It is tough to say. I caught Tamdan off guard with that head kick and when we hit the ground I believe he was barely conscious so that made my job a lot easier catching the submission

MGR: I watched your fight with Josh Koscheck. I thought for sure you were going to take that fight, it looked like you got clipped on the back of ear. You were doing well with your distance in the fight, moving well. How important is it for you to get that fight again, I know it was a big fight for you.

DH: Obviously I would like a rematch with him but it is not one of my top priorities. I am looking no further than Paul Daley. That is my main priority and I am not looking past that right now

MGR: You mentioned Paul, he is your next opponent at UFC 108. Everyone knows Paul is a striker, the guy has heavy hands. They call him Semtex for a reason. I personally thought in his last fight with Martin (Kampmann) Martin made the mistake of not taking the fight to the ground. Can you scout Daley for us from what you have seen thus far?

DH: I think you pretty much summed it up. He is a great striker. I think his ground game is a weaker point.

MGR: I am looking forward to this fight but all the fans I talked to wanted you to fight Karo Paryisian in the jiu jitsu versus judo battle. Karo seemed to be disrespecting jiu jitsu a little bit. I know he has some personal issues but do you hold a grudge against him?

DH: No I don’t hold any grudges against him. Obviously the things he said about jiu jitsu and eating jiu jitsu guys for breakfast upset me but at the end of the day there are more important things than fighting and he has some of those to deal with. When I found out I was obviously very disappointed and shocked but I was not as upset as I thought I would be. It is fully because and believe in God’s plan. You never know when something like that is happening why it is happening but I believe that if you continue to have faith then good things will come out of it. Now I have this fight with Daley that is the co-main event so I think good things will come of it.

MGR: I have always been a fan Dustin and I guess I was screaming Dustin Hazelett before most knew who Dustin Hazelett was so I am looking forward to you getting to make your mark at UFC 108. My co -host Gary wanted to know what is more exhausting for you when training, striking or jiu jistu?

DH: I am starting to get more comfortable with my striking now so I am not getting as tired doing it now but in the past it had been the striking.

MGR: Let’s step away from fighting for a second. I know you used to be social networking sites like MySpace. It seems like you have dropped away from those. Is there a reason you have gotten away from them while so many fighters are using them to promote themselves these days?

DH: I am not a big fan of hyping up fights or anything like that. I am more of a shy person, not a people person. I have never been a people person, never been overly charismatic or good with large groups of people or anything. My whole life I have been the outcast, never talked to a lot of people and I kind of gotten used to that throughout the course of my life. Once I started getting a little famous everybody wanted to talk to me and it is very odd for me. I feel like all that stuff promoting the fights and stuff, all the smack talking I am firmly against. I feel your previous fights should hype up your next fight. If your last fights aren’t good enough to hype up the next fight then you should be put back on the  under card until you get more exciting fights. That is kind of where I stand on that. Basically all I do all day is train, play video games and read. That is about it.

MGR: One of the listeners in our live chat, Cageside Chat, wanted to know what kind of beard you would be rocking at UFC 108?

DH: I am not sure. I kind of wing it. I go by how I feel and right now I have the thick beard. I don’t strategically plan it out. MGR: So it is not part of your training camp to grow the beard out?

DH: No,actually a lot of times I end up having to trim it because it gets to long and starts getting caught and it is very unpleasant having pieces of your beard ripped out.

MGR: Not looking past Daley, where would you like to be in this sport in two years?

DH: The obvious answer to that would to be the champion, ultimately that is my goal. That is why I got in to this. If I did not believe I had what it took to be a champion then I probably wouldn’t be doing this because just fighting around and losing fights and never making it to the top doesn’t sound very appealing to me. I firmly believe I have the ability to become a champion someday so that is my goal.

MGR: My co-host Gary wanted to know, since you mentioned you like to read, what have you been reading recently?

DH: Recently I have been trying to read the bible cover to cover. I have always wanted to do it, I grew up in church and stuff and I am a christian. I have never actually read the bible cover to cover. I have read a lot of excerpts. Right now I am working on that and it is a massive undertaking. I still read other books on the side to take a break from it. Just today I was reading “As A Man Thinketh” I am really into psychology. I believe the stronger I can make my mind the better fighter I will be so I read a lot of psychology books.

MGR: IF you get a title shot what do you feel it would take to beat GSP? Do you see something you could exploit?

DH: I feel I match up better against St. Pierre than many of the fighters in the division right now because his wrestling is so good. The welterweight division is so wrestler heavy. There are a lot of great wrestlers like Koscheck, Fitch and that is to just name a couple. None of them can take him down and when they get put on their backs, most grapplers are better top guys. I am one of the better guys off their back with jiu jitsu in mma. I think that gives me a distinct advantage over the other challengers to the title, that is to be able to fight off my back.

MGR: I wish you the best of the luck. I am a big fan. Maybe you will get another sub of the night at UFC 108. Any sponsors you would like thank before we let you go?

DH: I would just really like to thank everybody at JG MMA Academy for helping me out. It is tough training through Christmas and the holidays. It is good to have the support of my team there. Also Ecko.

Daley weighed-in one pound over the 171-pound welterweight division limit Friday.  According to MMA Weekly, Daley was prevented from attempting to lose the extra pound when the Nevada State Athletic Commission witnessed Daley wobbling.

Fighters are customarily given an hour to make weight after missing weight at the initial weigh-in.  However, the health of the fighter is the NSAC’s primary concern.

Fighters.com has little patience for fighters who miss weight and doesn’t count catchweight fights in division rankings.

Welterweight prospect “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (8-3) missed weight by five pounds before his matchup versus eighth-ranked welterweight “Zenko” Yoshiyuki Yoshida (10-3) at UFC 104 in Los Angeles October 24.  Johnson KO’d Yoshida in 41 seconds, but because the fight was renegotiated as catchweight fight, Johnson didn’t take Yoshida’s spot in Fighters.com’s welterweight rankings.  Simply, it wasn’t a welterweight fight.  It was a 176-pound catchweight fight.

Notably, Johnson was submitted in a rear naked choke by sixth-ranked Josh Koscheck (14-4) after making weight for his next fight at UFC 106 in Las Vegas November 21.

Unfortunately for Hazelett and fans, because Daley didn’t make weight Friday, Saturday night’s fight isn’t a welterweight fight either.

Hazelett will replace former WEC welterweight champion “Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit (23-5).

Hazelett will return from surgery on a torn right ACL. At UFC 91 in Las Vegas last November, he tapped fellow lanky, young welterweight talent “Barn Cat” Tamdan McCrory (11-3) in an arm bar in the first round.  Hazelett was scheduled to return versus “Heat” Karo Parisyan (18-5) at UFC 106 in Las Vegas November 21, but Parisyan bailed on the fight at the last moment.

Daley TKO’d Xtreme Couture’s “Hitman” Martin Kampmann (15-3) at 2:31 of round one in Daley’s UFC debut at UFC 103 in Dallas September 19.

Before tonight, Parisyan had also pulled out of a matchup versus Fighters.com’s eighth-ranked welterweight “Zenko” Yoshiyuki Yoshida (10-3) at UFC 88 in Atlanta in September 2008 and the whispers about Parisyan’s anxiety disorder loudened.  Since then, Parisyan’s illness has become an open secret among the MMA community.

Thursday afternoon, UFC President Dana White announced via Twitter, “Karo Parisyan has fucked over the UFC, the fans and his opponent again!”

“Again”, apparently, Parisyan’s illness has prevented him from a great matchup.  But, notice the difference between Hazelett’s concerns about Parisyan’s illness and White’s callous reaction.

White also threatened, “[Parisyan] will not be fighting Saturday [at UFC 106 in Las Vegas] or ever again in the UFC!”

Parisyan debuted in the UFC six years ago with a first-round submission of Dave Strasser (25-8-3) at UFC 44 in Las Vegas.  He’s 8-3 in the Octagon, with classic fights versus Nick Diaz (20-8) and The Ultimate Fighter 1 champion “Nightmare” Diego Sanchez (21-2).  Parisyan had earned a title shot versus then UFC champion seventh-ranked Matt Hughes (43-7), but was forced to withdraw with a physical injury.

Yet, after a notable career with the UFC, White showed unexplainable contempt for Parisyan and his illness in his reaction to Parisyan’s inability to fight.

Compare White’s reaction to Parisyan’s illness with White’s reaction to second-ranked heavyweight and UFC champion Brock Lesnar‘s (4-1) recent serious intestinal disorder which has caused White to have to twice reschedule Lesnar’s next title defense versus sixth-ranked Shane Carwin (9-0).  White told a post-UFC 105 press conference he and the UFC would do everything possible to help Lesnar recover and he told TMZ he was trying to get Lesnar transferred to the Mayo Clinic.

No Mayo Clinic treatment for Parisyan though?  Is it the stigma that mental illnesses aren’t as serious as physical illnesses?  Or, is it that Parisyan’s value to White has expired since Parisyan’s competitiveness has deteriorated while Lesnar’s star is on the rise?

Fighters.com won’t speculate about what’s in the heart and mind of White, but does think Parisyan and his illness deserve more respect and compassion.  Parisyan isn’t afraid to fight, and never has been.  He’s not missing fights because he isn’t training or isn’t committed.  Parisyan wants to fight, trains to fight, shows up to fight, and then has an uncontrollable, excruciatingly frustrating inability to go through with the fighting career he’s excelled in his entire adult life. 

Parisyan has a serious mental disorder.  Twenty-three year old Hazelett is mature enough to understand and sympathize.  Forty-year old White isn’t.

Topping the bill is the return of former UFC light heavyweight champion “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz (15-6-1) as he is set to face former UFC light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin (16-4) in a rematch of the 2006 fight that was Griffin’s first loss in the UFC.

Although a winner of the inaugural Ultimate Fighter reality show, to many observers Griffin’s loss to the veteran Ortiz was the fight that catapulted the Xtreme Couture fighter into the deeper ranks of professional MMA. Now currently coming off a two fight losing streak, Griffin has a lot to win and a lot to lose when he faces Ortiz for the second time.

For Ortiz, UFC 106 will be a triumphant return to the promotion following over a year of bad blood with the organization. His last appearance in the Octagon was a losing effort at the hands of current UFC light heavyweight champion “Dragon” Lyoto Machida (13-0) at UFC 84 in May, 2008.

UFC 106 will also feature two heavy-handed welterweights as Josh Koscheck (13-4) is set to clash against “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (8-2) in the co-main-event. Johnson is recently coming off a devastating win over “Zenko” Yoshiyuki Yoshida (10-3) in 41 seconds of a catchweight bout at UFC 104.

The fight card is rounded out by a series of bouts that set a theme of old versus new when veteran of the UFC and PRIDE Fighting Championship “New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni (13-11) returns to the Octagon for the first time since UFC 51 in 2005 to face off against The Ultimate Fighter 7 champ Amir Sadollah (1-1).

Fighters.com seventh-ranked light heavyweight “Banha” Luis Arthur Cane (8-1) and fellow Brazilian ”Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (12-3) continue the theme of veteran versus up-and-comer. Nogueira makes his UFC debut following a near decade-long career worldwide.

Remaining main card bouts for UFC 106 include UFC veteran and Judo superstar “The Heat” Karo Parisyan (18-5) as he meets Dustin Hazelett (11-4). “Irish Hand Grenade” Marcus Davis (14-4) is set to fight American Top Team’s “KIlla B” Ben Saunders (5-0-2 ). And the Ultimate Fighter 3 winner, “Da Spyder” Kendall Grove (9-6) will take on wrestler and WEC alumnus Jake Rosholt (6-1).

UFC 106 is rounded out by Paulo Thiago (7-1) versus Jacob Volkmann (9-0), Brock Larson (27-3) versus Brian Foster (9-12), Caol Uno (25-11-4) versus Fabricio Camoes (6-0), and George Sotiropoulos (10-2) versus Jason Dent (29-9).

The fight was anticipated by Fighters.com.

Parisyan will return from a no contest with “Stun Gun” Dong Hyun Kim (9-4-1) at UFC 94 in Las Vegas last January, declared so after Parisyan tested positive for banned substances after he won a decision on the judges’ score cards.

Hazelett will return from surgery on a torn right ACL. At UFC 91 in Las Vegas last November, Hazelett tapped fellow lanky, young welterweight talent “Barn Cat” Tamdan McCrory (11-3) in an arm bar in the first round.

The matchup is scheduled to be broadcast on pay per view.

Doors at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas open at 7:00 PM local time November 21.  Tickets starting at $100 can be purchased at Ticketmaster.  The pay per view broadcast will begin at 10:00 PM EST.

And, according to “Mayhem” Jason Miller (22-5) in a forum post, “I’m set to take on Jake Shields for the middleweight championship of the world in Strikeforce.”

Fighters.com was not able to verify either fight.

Parisyan would return from a no contest with “Stun Gun” Dong Hyun Kim (9-4-1) at UFC 94 in Las Vegas last January, declared so after Parisyan tested positive for banned substances after he won a decision on the judge’s score cards.

Hazelett would return from surgery on a torn right ACL. At UFC 91 in Las Vegas last November, Hazelett tapped fellow lanky, young welterweight talent “Barn Cat” Tamdan McCrory (11-3) in an arm bar in the first round.

Miller’s last fight ended in a no contest after Miller illegally kicked and cut open “Jacare” Ronaldo Souza (8-2) while he was down at DREAM 9 in Yokohama 26 May.

Jake Shields (23-4-1) won the Strikeforce title in a first-round rear naked choke submission of “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (16-5) in St. Louis 6 June.

McLovin’ withdrew from a fight versus “Kill B” Ben Saunders (7-1-2) at UFC 96 in Columbus 7 March with a torn right ACL and has since had surgery to repair the injury.

“Well, I’m back training,” Hazelett said, “and, I’ll be ready to fight late November or early December.”

At UFC 91 in Las Vegas last November, Hazelett tapped fellow lanky, young welterweight talent “Barn Cat” Tamdan McCrory (11-3) in an arm bar in the first round.

He told Fighters.com, “There’s been some talk, some names, but I haven’t signed anything yet.”

Lightweight Stephens earned “Knockout of the Night” with an epic third-round uppercut delivered to the chin of Rafael dos Anjos (12-1).

Welterweight Hazelett secured the second “Submission of the Night” of his career with his “armbar from the omoplata”, forcing “Barn Cat” Tamdan McCrory (10-2) in round one.

The back-and-forth lightweight scrap between Riley and Gurgel was “Fight of the Night”, which Riley took in a narrow unanimous decision.

“It was an armbar from the omoplata,” described Hazelett after the fight.  The fight-ending technique began as an omoplata, but Hazelett straightened out, then twisted McCrory’s arm over even further when McCrory refused to tap.

“I hated that it had to be him,” lamented Hazelett.  “I want him to be successful too, coming from a similar background.”

The fight exploded at the opening bell!  McCrory unleashed lefts and rights, pushing Hazlett up against the cage.  Hazelett quickly answered McCrory’s assault with a powerful front kick that dropped his opponent temporarily to the mat.

Hazelett launched into a wild flying knee as McCrory popped off the mat; but, McCrory avoided contact and threw a respectable leg kick, countered by Hazelett with a strong punch to the chin.

Following the lightning-paced stand-up exchange, Hazelett pulled guard and almost instantly landed an omaplata.  The submission was locked; but, McCrory was able to step over Hazelett and roll out only to find his other arm in equal trouble.

“He scrambled really well,” Hazelett said.  “And then, Jorge [Gurgel] was yelling at me to go for the armbar.  And, I was trying to switch my hips.  He had his hand locked up.  I was trying to break his hand before I switched my hips because I didn’t want to lose position.  And, as soon as his hand broke, he tried to spin it out real quick; and, I just grabbed [his arm] and pushed it forward.”

Under the torture of Hazelett’s armbar, McCrory’s only escape was to tap out.

It was an impressive display of jiu-jitsu prowess by Dustin Hazelett.

“Obviously, I’m not the best.  I’m not ready for a title shot by any means,” Hazelett admitted.  “I’m just going to go back to the gym and work on my stand-up, work on my wrestling, stuff like that.”

Sadollah was scheduled to face UFC newcomer Nick Catone (6-0) Saturday in Las Vegas.

The UFC was unable to secure a replacement, so the middleweight match has been cancelled.  Instead, the welterweight match-up between “McLovin” Dustin Hazelett (12-4) and “Barn Cat” Tamdan McCrory (10-1) has been bumped up to the main card on pay-per-view.

Hazelett submitted “People’s Warrior” Josh Burkman via armbar in round two at the TUF 7 finale in June.

McCrory won a unanimous decision over Luke Cummo (6-6) at UFC 87 in August.

Hazelett, a member of Team Jorge Gurgel, submitted Josh Burkman (18-7) via second-round armbar in June.

McCrory won a unanimous decision over Luke Cummo (6-6) in August.

Robinson’s last fight was a loss to Nathan Diaz (10-2) via third-round triangle choke in January.  He reportedly took time off this year to deal with injuries.

Bocek, of Toronto, was submitted by Mac Danzig (18-5-1) in April via third-round rear naked choke.

Long-time 170-pound ruler Matt Hughes (42-7) has lost…something. Specifically, his last two fights and, all too early in his career, his competitiveness.

Hughes’s eventual grudge match with “Terror” Matt Serra (9-5) has lingered so long it seems almost a chore now.

EliteXC Welterweight Champion Jake Shields (21-4-1) mauled his top non-UFC challenger “Goat” Nick Thompson (36-10-1) in 1:03. His next opponent will only be anti-climactic and prospects for a legitimate challenge in the foreseeable future are dim. A shame, a damned shame.

Yes, there is the “Pitbull” Thiago Alves (15-3) versus “Nightmare” Diego Sanchez (19-2) on the October horizon. But, it’s still questionable whether Alves can consistently make 170-pounds; and, Sanchez is, well, questionable after losing his two biggest fights versus Josh Koschek (11-2) and Fitch.

Besides, Shields takes them both out in the first round. Please, argue if you disagree so that I have something to get excited about in the welterweight division. Really, email me at chad@fighters.com and tell me how wrong I am.

Anyway, there is one potential match-up that excites me, right at the cusp of the 170-pound elite.

“McLovin” Dustin Hazelett (11-4) conjured up an armbar to tap Josh Burkman (9-6) in June so slick that the UFC offered the replay for free on their website. It was like charity: “It’d be a crime to keep it to ourselves!” Really, “McLovin” should patent it. The Kimura, the D’arce choke, and the Hazelett armbar.

Two weeks earlier, “Quick” Mike Swick (12-2), fresh from a lackadaisical majority decision over the same Burkman, surprised me and Hazelett with a dominant decision over division dark horse “Irish Hand Grenade” Marcus Davis (14-4).

Hazelett had told me the day of the fight that he thought Davis would “manhandle” Swick.

Hear that, Swick? Manhandle!

(They’re both gentleman and that’s about as close as I’m going to get to trash talk; so, I’m hyping it.)

The thrill of the match-up isn’t in the trash talk though; it’s in their fight styles: comin’ at’cha!

Both are a part of the MMA future; fighters who train the entire sport: striking, submissions, throws, wrestling, cardio, everything. They’re like mini- “Spider” Anderson Silvas (22-4); and, with experience and confidence that smoothes rough edges, might be second-coming Silvas one day. Swick is 29-years old and Hazelett is just 22.

Primarily, though, it’s time to chamber a new contender in the division and these are two of the most exciting fighters at the cusp.

A win for either will steel their confidence for top ten welterweight challenges and breathe new life into 170-pounds.

The future shines brilliantly for The Ultimate Fighter’s newest blast into the mainstream consciousness, Amir Sadollah (1-0).

In his professional debut, Sadollah tapped “Doberman” CB Dollaway (6-1) in an armbar at 3:02 of round one to win the seventh season of the popular SpikeTV reality show contest.

“Nightmare” Diego Sanchez (19-2), one of the two original Ultimate Fighters, looked physically fitter than ever in his third-round TKO of American Top Team’s Luigi Fioravanti (12-4) at 4:07.

After back-to-back “embarrasing” losses, “Spyder” Kendall Grove (9-5), TUF 3 champion, recaptured past glory in a three-round split decision over former UFC titlist Evan Tanner (32-8).

The likeable young TUF walk-on from Virginia, Sadollah, versus the cocky All-American favorite, Dollaway, was a rematch of an exhibition fight fought on the final episode of last season’s The Ultimate Fighter.

Saturday’s finish was almost a replay of that fight’s end.

But, unlike the first fight, Dollaway made haste taking the samboist to his back and pounding him, opening a shallow cut on Sadollah’s forehead.

Sadollah flailed for position, eventually sucking up the “Doberman’s” left paw and swinging his legs over Dollaway’s head to secure the armbar.

Dollaway stood and remained standing as Sadollah worked the technique.

Finally, Dollaway ended the fight with a single tap causing referee Herb Dean to step in.

Sadollah leapt to his feet and threw his arms in the air.

Dollaway threw his hands out to his sides, complaining about the stoppage; but, replays clearly showed Dollaway tapping.

And, as “Kimbo Slice” Kevin Ferguson (3-0) famously said, Dollaway exhibited in his immature and ridiculous post-fight protest: “Tapping is for bitches.”

“Nightmare” Sanchez showed off a leaner physique and tighter striking game versus a pudgy and lethargic Fioravanti.

In his southpaw stance, Sanchez stalked with his right lead extended and left fist cocked, both of which he used to tag Fiorivanti, who was hesitant to engage on his feet or on the mat.

When Sanchez was able to down Fioravanti, “Nightmare’s” trademark G’n'P dominated.

But, it was Sanchez’s refurbed striking game, highlighted by a roundhouse kick, that won the fight.

In the third round, Sanchez snapped a left kick to Fioravanti’s head, sending Fioravanti backpedaling.  Sanchez followed with a flying knee flush to Fioravanti’s jaw before pounding out the stoppage with his fists.

It was do or die for both Grove and Tanner in the main event, both fighters coming off of knockout losses and at career lows.

However, 6’6″ Grove was just too physical for the former champion, Tanner.

At range, Grove launched long rights that split Tanner’s guard.

But, most of the fight was fought in the clinch, with Tanner, sporting a full beard, resembling a homeless mugger assaulting the Hawaiian for change.

Grove laid on Tanner, wearing Tanner down, while Grove split open Tanner’s head with elbows and peppered Tanner’s body with knees.

The judges ruled it a split decision “W” for Grove by scores of 30-26 twice for Grove and 29-28 once for Tanner; but, Al Lefkowitz, who scored the fight for Tanner, couldn’t have even been in the arena.

Fighters.com scored it 30-27 for Grove.

On the undercard, “McLovin” Dustin Hazelett (11-4) tapped “People’s Champion” Josh Burkman (9-6) in an armbar at 4:46 of round two.

Hazelett won “Submission of the Night”.

Lightweight brawler “King” Spencer Fisher (21-4) ground out a unanimous decision over fellow Iowan Jeremy Stephens (13-3).

TUF 7 contestant Matt Riddle (1-0) won his pro debut with a unanimous decision over Dante Rivera (10-3).

Middleweight Andrew McFedries (7-3) overwhelmed “Beastman” Marvin Eastman (15-8-1) from the bell to score a quick TKO at 1:08 of round one.

In a rematch from 2006, TUF 7 contestant Matt Brown (7-6) TKO’d TUF 6 “No Regard” Matt Arroyo (3-2) at 3:40 of round two.

Veteran “Boogieman” Dean Lister (11-5) submitted über-veteran “Gumby” Jeremy Horn (79-18-5) in a first-round guillotine choke at 3:52.

Similarly, Rob Kimmons (21-3) tapped Rob Yundt (6-2) in a first-round guillotine choke at 3:58.

But, in the second round, Hazelett was rattled by a Kos overhand and eventually TKO’d in a flurry.

But, “McLovin’” has a sense of humor about it.

He invited Fighters.com to Jorge Gurgel‘s (12-3) Martial Arts Academy in West Chester, north of Cincinnati, to observe his training for his fight Saturday in Las Vegas versus “The People’s Champion” Josh Burkman (9-5).

After training, Hazelett pulled his mouthpiece from his mouth and said, “Koscheck must not have read this.”

After training, Hazelett talked about his return to the Octagon versus Burkman and his career in the UFC.

Hazelett spent several rounds of light sparring inside the cage, including a round with Fighters.com’s second-ranked middleweight “Ace” Rich Franklin (23-3), who’s running Hazelett’s training camp and will corner the welterweight.

However, it was UFC Middleweight Champion “Spider” Anderson Silva who left Nationwide Arena big pimpin’ with a total disclosed payday of $260,000 for his second round submission of “Hollywood” Dan Henderson.

Silva received $70,000 to show, a $70,000 win bonus, a $60,000 Submission of the Night bonus, and a $60,000 Fight of the Night bonus.  Mo’ money, mo’ money, mo’ money!

Henderson received a $60,000 bonus for participating in Fight of the Night.  “The Crippler” Chris Leben received $60,000 for Knockout of the Night in his victory over “Legionarius” Alessio Sakara.

Despite making the PPV broadcast in an non-stop stand-up war, Josh Koscheck and Dustin Hazelett lost out to Silva v Henderson for Fight of the Night.

The entire run-down below:

Andrei Arlovski: $170,000
Anderson Silva: $140,000
Heath Herring: $140,000
Dan Henderson: $100,000
Diego Sanchez: $60,000
Chris Leben: $50,000
Cheick Kongo: $30,000
Yushin Okami: $28,000
Evan Tanner: $25,000
Josh Koscheck: $20,000
Alessio Sakara: $17,000
Luigi Fioravanti: $16,000
Luke Cummo: $16,000
Jorge Gurgel: $14,000
Dustin Hazelett: $12,000
Jake O’Brien: $11,000
David Bielkheden: $8,000
John Halverson: $3,000

The kickboxer from Curitiba vanquished former PRIDE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion “Hollywood” Dan Henderson in a rear naked choke at 4:52 of the second round.

The first round illustrated why Henderson, 22-7, was pegged as Silva’s last great challenge at 185-pounds.

The wrestler from California nixed the champion’s world class stand-up with lateral movement that prevented Silva from setting and delivering his laser-like strikes.

Henderson grabbed hold of the “Spider” and dumped him to the mat in an awkward half guard that allowed “Hollywood” to smother Silva while peppering him with hammer fists.

The frustrated champion endured to the second frame.

In a sloppy Thai clinch, Silva slammed a knee to Henderson’s chiseled chin, causing the the top contender to crumble.

Silva pounced!  A barrage of strikes convinced Henderson to give up his back, the fatal flaw leading to a rear naked choke submission with just eight seconds to spare in the round.

While UFC broadcasters Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan wondered allowed who could challenge the champion, Silva seemed to indicate a third tussle with former UFC Middleweight Champion “Ace” Rich Franklin was due.

In the broadcasted card’s only heavyweight rumble, “The Texas Crazy Horse” Heath Herring tumbled into a split decision “W” over Cheick Kongo of France.

The Parisian kickboxer insisted on wrestling, to the surprise of everyone including Herring.  Kongo dumped the Texan by force of will, but never capitalized on his advantageous ground positions as Herring consistently swept and reversed into safer territory.

In the end, Herring’s pitter-patter of pounding and Kongo’s cluelessness on the mat served Herring the “W” and a possible rematch with current interim UFC belt holder Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, whom Herring came within a hair of beating last year.

In untelevised heavyweight action, former UFC titlist “The Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski wrapped-up his current UFC contract and possibly his Octagon career with second round TKO of Jake O’Brien.

Arlovski has openly entertained the idea of quitting the UFC for greener opportunities.

Another pair of middleweights made the PPV broadcast when former UFC Middleweight Champion Evan Tanner was knocked silly…er with a knee from the Thai clinch by Yushin Okami.

The fight was Tanner’s first since April 2006 and the vet seemed to gas late into the first round before eating the death blow at 3:00 of the second.

18-4 Chris Leben TKO’d 185-pound newbie “Legionarius” Alessio Sakara of Italy at 3:16 of round one.

“The Crippler” Leben knocked Sakara to his back with a left hook behind the ear, then pounced on the Roman with six unanswered punches before referee Herb Dean waved the affair closed.

Welterweights Josh Koscheck and Dustin Hazelett lit each other up for a round before a Koscheck kick found the button behind Hazelett’s ear a minute into round two.  Koschek pummeled the fallen fighter until the referee called it a TKO for Koscheck.

The PPV opened with the longest three rounds of my life between welterweight contender Jon Fitch and UFC-debuting Chris Wilson of Team Quest.

Wilson spent most of his Octagon initiation on his bicycle while Fitch tried to chase him down.  The judges awarded Fitch a unanimous decision for aggression and superior wrestling positioning.

The rest of the untelevised portion of the card included a unanimous decision  “W” for 12-3 welterweight Luigi Fioravanti over Luke Cummo, who falls to 6-5.

“Nightmare” Diego Sanchez was tossed a bit of red meat in Sweden’s David Bielkheden after dropping two consecutive fights.  Sanchez devoured Bielkheden in a first round strikes submission.

Lightweight Jorge Gurgel took a unanimous decision over John Halverson to improve to 12-3, 3-2 in the Octagon.

 UFC 82 sold out Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.