We head to MMAFighting.com for the full report, which states that Richie Guerriero, the general manager of American Top Team, has confirmed that Brown remains a UFC employee and is currently recovering from hand surgery. The report also speculates that this was likely due to the fact that Brown was a late addition to the “Fight for the Troops 2” card. The opponent Brown lost to, Rani Yahya, was supposed to fight “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung before Jung pulled out of the bout with an injury. Brown had competed just three weeks prior to fighting Yahya, losing to Diego Nunes on New Year’s Day during the UFC 125 “Resolution” event.

If you’ll recall, fans and friends, I outright predicted that Brown would be let go by the UFC in the “Fight for the Troops 2” edition of my “What’s Next for the Winners and Losers?” series. Even though I’ve never had a problem with Mike Brown either as a person or as a fighter, I still stand by what I said: it wouldn’t have surprised me in the least if Brown had been let go. Half of that comes from the UFC becoming so trigger-happy nowadays when it comes to under-performing fighters, the other half comes from the somewhat-sad fact that Mike Thomas Brown really has been under-performing.

I hesitate to call myself a fan of Mike Brown, but I can certainly empathize with the man. It must be incredibly difficult to one day be the champion of a competitive division, and then the next you’re 2-4 in your last six. I still think Brown has a lot left to give: those two wins were both great first-round finishes. Mike Brown seems to be in a transitional period right now, and I’m not sure where he fits into the newly-established UFC Featherweight division. But I believe he does belong there, at least for the time being.

So while it wouldn’t have surprised me if he had been let go, it also doesn’t surprise me that he’s been given one last chance. But I do hope he and all of his fans know that his upcoming fight is definitely going to be his last chance. I just don’t see Brown going 0-3 in the UFC and remaining on the payroll.

At the end of the day, I guess only one question needs to be asked: can Mike Brown turn it all around? It’s certainly possible, and those in charge of the UFC certainly seem willing to give him enough chances to do so. Personally, I think Mike Brown is a good fighter and could end up having a successful UFC career. But I also think it’s likely that Brown may be gone from the UFC before long. One thing’s for sure: it’ll certainly be interesting to see how Mike Brown’s next fight plays out.

And what about you, fans and friends? What’s your reaction to this bit of news, and what kind of future do you think Mike Brown will have in the UFC?

5. Because despite all his problems, Phil Baroni still entertains. I personally dislike the man and even I can admit that he still knows how to put on entertaining fights. Love him or hate him, “The New York Badass” loves to strike and does his best to entertain. Phil Baroni is still good for a cheap thrill far more often than not, so his undercard fight at UFC 125 against Brad Tavares will more than likely warrant a watching.

4. The UFC debut of Antonio McKee. McKee is a showman through and through, and most recently compared himself to Muhammed Ali. It’s going to be very interesting to see if McKee can live up to his many (and believe me, I do mean many) verbal boasts. And McKee knows it’s a “do or die” situation whether he wants to admit it or not: he’s forty years old and a thirty-fight veteran, so there’s no time like the present.

3. The UFC re-debut of Mike Thomas Brown. Mike Brown has been in a prolonged struggle to right the ship ever since Jose Aldo famously finished him and took his WEC Featherweight Championship. At UFC 125, Brown looks to put together a two-fight win-streak over the 15-1 Diego Nunes. Like Brown, Nunes is a versatile fighter that’s comfortable in and can finish opponents in all areas of the game. Whoever wins this fight will take an important step forward and more than likely make the main card in their next fight.

2. To see Dustin Poirer either do the impossible against Josh Grispi… or get utterly annihilated by him. Either way, we’re in for a great fight. Dustin Poirer has the odds stacked against him considerably; many consider Josh Grispi the last, great test for Jose Aldo at Featherweight. If he wins, Poirer will explode onto the scene and immediately emerge as one of the UFC’s premiere Featherweights. Standing in his way is a man that’s almost as much of an engine of destruction as the champion he was originally scheduled to face. It’s going to end violently, most likely in the first round, and it should be an amazing fight no matter how long it lasts.

And my #1 reason to track down and watch the UFC 125 prelims/undercard is…

1. The Lightweight debut of Marcus Davis. You know what you’ll be getting when you see Marcus Davis step into the Octagon: a hard-hitting brawl that’s pure entertainment even if it’s lacking a lot in the finesse department. Against an opponent like Jeremy Stephens, Davis has all the tools necessary to make this an excellent war of attrition. Davis has stated that the drop down to Lightweight has given him a renewed sense of purpose and that he’s healthy both mentally and physically. At least on paper, this should be one of the best fights of the night.

So there you have it, fans and friends. What’s your take on UFC 125’s undercard?

In the main event of WEC 51, WEC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo will take on the runner-up to the fifth season of the popular UFC reality TV show “The Ultimate Fighter” Manny Gamburyan with the championship on the line. Aldo has been a man possessed in his run to the top of the Featherweight division, having lost only one fight in his six-year career, with eleven of his seventeen career wins coming by way of (T)KO. Most recently, Aldo put on a near-shutout performance against former long-reigning WEC Featherweight Champion and WEC posterboy Urijah Faber in the main event of the WEC’s first-ever Pay-Per-View. Manvel Gamburyan has earned his nickname “The Anvil” with his spirited performances both in the UFC and the WEC, and since dropping down to Featherweight in 2009, Gamburyan is on a three-fight win-streak.

The next chapter in the war between Jamie Varner and Donald Cerrone will be written at WEC 51, as the two men are set to lock horns for a second time. Both Cerrone and Varner are no stranger to the WEC Lightweight Championship, with Varner being a former Lightweight Champion and both men having competed for the championship in their recent fights. Both men need a win in a big way, with Varner coming off of a split-draw with Kamal Shalorus while Donald Cerrone is coming off of a loss to Ben Henderson. With the desire to get back into the W column as well as the already-fierce hostility these two have shown towards each other, this should be one of the best fights of the night.

Miguel Torres will also be making his return at WEC 51 against Charlie Valencia. For the first time in his career, the former long-reigning WEC Bantamweight Champion and Pound-for-Pound darling is on the wrong side of a two-fight losing streak, with many beginning to seriously question whether or not the Bantamweight division has finally caught up with him, and maybe even passed him by. Charlie Valencia is going to be a tough test and should be a good win, as he’s coming off a three-fight win-streak.

And there’s still more action to come, with big name, former champions, and incredible athletes. Here are the other announced match-ups that have been officially signed for WEC 51: Leonard Garcia vs. Mark Hominick, Mike Thomas Brown vs. Cole Province, Chris Horodecki vs. Ed Ratcliff, Chan Sung Jung vs. George Roop, Diego Nunes vs. Tyler Toner, and Antonio Banuelos vs. Chad George.

This event is so star-studded that I honestly think it may even top WEC 48 as the best WEC event of the year, possibly the best MMA event in 2010 period. I can’t wait to see people like Leonard Garcia, Mike Thomas Brown, Chris Horodecki, and “The Korean Zombie”, Chan Sung Jung. Add to that a huge championship fight, a huge grudge-match, and the do-or-die scenario of Torres desperately needing to get back in the win column, and you’ve got the makings for a stellar event.

But what do you think, fans and friends? How excited are you for WEC 51?

MMA Gospel host “Reverend” Turk Vangel confronted Brown with the rumor that “Kimbo Slice” Kevin Ferguson (3-1) brought a gun into the American Top Team gym at which both Brown and Slice train after Slice was tapped out during a sparring session.

“It didn’t happen.  I was there that day,” Brown denied the rumor.  In fact, he thinks the rumor is hilarious.  He chuckled and remarked, “That’d be pretty crazy!  Like, ‘Whoa!  No one tap out Kimbo!’”

Brown called Slice a humble guy.  “If you watch him, you’ll notice he never insults anybody.  As much as people talk about him, he never responds to them.”

Brown will defend his WEC title for the third time versus Aldo and he related the difficulty preparing for the Brazilian fighter who fought primarily in small shows in Brazil before debuting in the WEC last year.  Brown said because Aldo has been ripping through the division so quickly – fighting just six minutes in his last three stoppage victories – there’s not a lot of good video on Aldo.

“We don’t know how he is on the ground yet,” Brown stated.

Brown also indicated the only additional training he’s doing for the fight is knee defense.  “If you fight your game well, you don’t have to worry too much about their game,” Brown stated.

Brown is excited about the prospect of a 2010 WEC pay per view event and is open to moving up to lightweight to fight WEC champ “Worm” Jamie Varner (16-3) or down to featherweight to fight champ Brian Bowles (8-0) or former champ Miguel Torres (36-2).

“All I care about at this time in my career is to take fights the fans care about.  No matter who it is. Where we both get paid, because you have a limited amount of time to accumulate wealth in this sport,” said Brown.

WEC 44 will take place at The Pearl at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas November 18.

MMA Gospel can be heard every Saturday from 5:00-7:00 PM at MMAGospel.com.  “Reverend” Turk Vangel of MMA Gospel contributed to this report.

Former featherweight champion Faber completed his previous contract with his rematch loss to WEC featherweight champion Mike Thomas Brown (18-4) at WEC 41 in Sacramento June 7 and there was speculation Faber could leave the WEC.

The WEC also confirmed four undercard match-ups for WEC 44 in Las Vegas November 18 where Brown will defend his title from challenger “Junior” Jose Aldo (14-1).
Featherweights “The Gun” Diego Nunes (11-2) and LC Davis (13-1) will fight for a top 145-pound contership, as will featherweights Cub Swanson (13-3) and John Franchi (5-1).

Bantamweights “2 Quick” Seth Dikun and Frank Gomez (6-1) will square off.

And, “Bully” Ricardo Lamas (6-1) and James Krause (10-1) will fight at lightweight.

WEC 44 will take place at The Pearl at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas November 18.

American Top Team’s Brown rematched “California Kid” Urijah Faber (22-3) WEC 41 in Sacramento June 7, defeating the former champion again.

Aldo knocked out Cub Swanson in eight seconds at WEC 41.

WEC 44 will also feature featherweights “Bad Boy” Leonard Garcia (13-4) and Manvel Gamburyan (9-5) squaring off in a matchup of former UFC fighters.

“Bab Boy” won a three-round split decision over “Real Deal” Jameel Massouh (17-6) at WEC 42.

Gamburyan won a three-round unanimous decision over John Franchi (5-1) at WEC 41.

WEC 44 will take place at The Pearl at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas November 18.

Fighters.com: Jeff, the last time we spoke was just before your win over “Smashing Machine” Mark Kerr (14-9) at Vengeance Fighting Championship in Concord, north of Charlotte, 27 September.  You have a fight coming up at Mixed Fight Alliance  in Miami 13 December against Ricco Rodriguez.  It’s a rematch of a fight you originally lost at UFC 35 in 2002.  What are your thoughts on facing Rodriguez again?

Jeff Monson: Well, I like Ricco.  He’s a good fighter and a big name; but, I’d like to get back at him for losing to him the first time.  [laughing]  Hopefully it’ll be a different result this time around.  But I don’t really have revenge in mind or anything.  It’s been seven years or whatever.  But, I think I definitely put a lot more into my fighting than I think he does, so, you know, I should to go out and get the win.

Fighters.com:  You’re on a two-fight win streak in recent months with the Kerr victory and a win over “Titan” Jimmy Ambriz (12-8) at Beatdown in New Town, northwest of Bismark, 11 October.  Where do you think a victory over Rodriguez will put your career?

Jeff Monson: Well, I need to win a few more in a row.  So, I want to take them, you know, like the old cliché, “one fight at a time.”  I’m taking this particular fight very seriously.  Ricco’s a big name.  And he kicked my ass before.  It was probably one of the worse beatdowns I ever experienced in a fight from start to finish.  [laughing]  So, I know he’s capable of doing well.

Ricco has fought a lot of big names.  He’s beat about everybody and, even the fights he’s lost were to top fighters, you know, so Ricco’s tough.   I just think I need to win every fight right now.  My career cannot take another loss at this point.  Saying that, I am taking this fight very serious.  I know I need to win a few in a row to get a shot at a title somewhere or get back to the top again. 

Fighters.com: Will a win in December take you back to Sengoku in Japan?  The last loss on your record was to Fighters.com’s seventh-ranked heavyweight ”Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (19-5) at Sengoku in Tokyo 18 May.

Jeff Monson: Yeah, well, I’m fighting in Sengoku in March regardless.  Win or lose the fight with Ricco Rodriguez.

Fighters.com: There’s been some drama on the business side of things in the world of mixed martial arts recently.  What are your thoughts on the demise of EliteXC? 

[Note: EliteXC maintains that it's parent company, ProElite, has not filed for bankruptcy.]

Jeff Monson: I think Elite’s going under is good for mixed martial arts.  I don’t think they were ever good for the sport in the first place.  They were out there selling sex and violence and promoting fighters that did not belong there.  I mean, Kimbo?  I don’t want to say he was a victim in the matter.  He participated along with the entire situation.  And, Kimbo is a legitimate fighter, but he’s not a legitimate name to base an entire organization around.  So, when he lost, the whole show went under. 

Elite’s television commercials and marketing were not good for MMA either.  They were trying to promote things like WWE or something.  Which is fine in its own right, because people know what they are watching when they watch WWE.  But its not fine when you have people legitimately training and fighting in an MMA event.  You know, they had some really good fighters on the cards.  Gina Carano and Robbie Lawler and so on.  And all of these fighters got lost in the hoopla and the way Elite was promoting its shows.  Even a lot of the fighters on the actual cards questioned what EliteXC was doing. 

Fighters.com: There’s a big buzz this week over UFC 91.  And, of course, there is a divide amongst fans over the heavyweight title fight.  One side of the spectrum says Brock Lesnar (2-1) doesn’t deserve the fight this weekend; and, another side says Lesnar is the future of the sport.  As a veteran of the UFC yourself, what are your thoughts on Brock Lesnar getting a title shot so soon in his career and who do you think will win the bout between him and fourth-ranked UFC Champion ”Natural” Randy Couture (16-8)?

Jeff Monson: Well, Lesnar does not deserve the shot yet.  Let’s see, he won his first MMA fight, then he lost his first fight in the UFC, and then won his second fight.  So, he’s one and one in the UFC.  I mean, he lost by submission within a couple of minutes and then won a decision.  And now he’s fighting for a UFC title.  It’s all based on potential, I guess.  He’s a physically immense guy and really strong and powerful.  He’s training in a good camp too.  So no, he doesn’t deserve the shot.  But, saying that, I do think Lesnar is going to win the fight against Couture. 

This is just one of those fights that’s a match-up nightmare for Couture.  Randy normally wins against the fence.  He clinches against the fence.  He grounds-and-pounds his opponents against the fence, wears them out, and then takes their hearts away.  Then, he gets them on the ground and finishes the fight.  It’s pretty much standard; and, Randy is so damned good at it that an opponent can know he’s going to do these things and Randy will still get away with it.

Randy is one of the smartest fighters out there. Every time I have picked Randy, he always ends up winning. But, I don’t think he’s going to win this time against Lesnar. 

You know, if Randy does win the fight, it’s because he is in great shape.  I am sure he’ll be in top shape.  And he could win maybe by outlasting Lesnar, making him tired, and getting on top of him.  You know, nobody’s seen Lesner on his back.  So, who knows what can happen there.  I think if Randy gets him down, he can possibly make some things happen.

Randy’s not a big striker though.  He’s okay.  But Lesnar’s shown that he can punch.  Randy’s not a submission guy like Frank Mir either.  You know Frank was getting his ass kicked but was still able to pull off a submission on Lesnar and survive.

On paper, it simply looks like a really tough fight for Randy.  I don’t know how Randy wins other than gassing out Lesnar, outlasting him, and then taking it to him when he’s got him tired.  But, if Lesnar is in shape, it’s a match-up nightmare for Randy.

Fighters.com: Well of course Randy has been criticized in the past for coming up short against larger heavyweights, but he did very well against ninth-ranked “Napao” Gabriel Gonzaga (9-3).  And Gabriel Gonzaga is a large heavyweight that was just coming off of a devastating win over “Cro Cop” Mirko Filipovic (23-7-2) when they faced one another.

Jeff Monson: Yeah sure, but I mean, Gonzaga is a different fighter.  Gonzaga’s not a wrestler.  He’s a big, strong guy, but he’s not a wrestler.  I have seen Gonzaga at Abu Dhabi; and, he pulled guard on everyone. Lesnar as a wrestler, right now at his age, is probably a notch higher than Randy or at least the same level. And Lesnar’s going to be at least thirty or forty pounds heavier going into the fight.  So, Randy’s not going to put him up against the fence for any length of time or ground-and -pound him there.   So, that’s what I am talking about when I mention the match-up problems for Randy.

The things that Randy does well to win fights, he’s not going to be able to do in this fight.  So, Randy has to figure out a different way to win; and, the different ways to win this fight are not Randy’s fortes.  You know, knocking Lesnar out or getting a submission, things like that.  So, that’s what we are looking at here.  On paper, how can Randy win? 

But, like I said earlier, if Randy does pull out a win, I think it’s because he outlasts Lesnar.  You know, maybe Lesnar gets tired; and, Randy gets on top and sinks a choke from the top.  Or maybe Randy punches him out from the top; and, the referee stops the fight or something.

Randy is the smartest guy out there, but he’s got to know on paper that he’s not going to be able to put Lesnar up against the fence and do what he normally does.  It will be interesting to see what Randy comes out with.  Certainly, if anyone can do it, Randy can.  He’s done it time-and-time again.  But, it’s going to be a tough one. 

Fighters.com: Since we are talking about future UFC title fights, I have an interesting question for you. Early in your career you lost a decision to current UFC and Fighters.com Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin (16-4).  There’s a reasonably historic light heavyweight title fight coming up that features two previous winners of The Ultimate Fighter reality show when Forrest defends the title against fourth-ranked “Sugar” Rashad Evans (12-0-1).  Who do you think will win this fight?

Jeff Monson: I think Forrest will win.  Rashad has looked absolutely fantastic lately; but, if Forrest fights and trains the way he has for his previous fights the past year or so, I say Forrest will win.  If Forrest has not let winning the title change his approach to training and fighting, then I think he keeps the title.  And I don’t know how really.  Probably a decision.

Fighters.com: Some analysts are saying that Forrest might win a war of attrition by wearing Rashad down and landing a submission in the late rounds.

Jeff Monson: Yeah, maybe.  I mean, they are both tough-minded guys. It will be a very interesting to watch. I think Forrest wins in a pretty close fight. I mean, I think the odds on that one are going to be really tight. But I think Forrest wins because he trains so damned hard.  [laughing] 

Fighters.com: A good friend and teammate of yours and current WEC Featherweight Champion Mike Thomas Brown (15-4) just shocked “California Kid” Urijah Faber (21-2).  What are your thoughts on this fight and how things happened?

Jeff Monson: I thought Mike was going to win a decision.  But, what I mean by winning a decision is that I thought Mike was going to win most of the rounds.  Mike has just improved so much.  He’s beat a lot of good fighters.  I think he’s just flown under the radar for a long time.

Mike has obviously been working on his boxing.  He just doesn’t get a lot of credit.  Most people, except for his teammates at American Top Team, don’t know how good Mike really is.  Now everybody knows. He’s a nice guy and a good teammate.  I couldn’t be happier for him. 

Mike’s the kind of guy to have as a teammate that you’re happy to see win the title.  I mean, I am always  happy to see a teammate win but Mike’s got a special place with me.  You know, he tore his bicep over a year ago.  So, he’s coming off a complete bicep tear where he was in a cast for a while.  And now he’s completely repaired and won a bunch of fights in a row to earn the shot at Urijah Faber.  And he won it. 

When Mike tore his bicep, he never gave up.  He didn’t quit.  He was working out a few days later, working his legs and stuff.  He was immediately trying to find out what he could do to get better.  He always maintains a positive attitude.  He always has a positive attitude towards everyone on the team.

Mike helps everyone out as well.  He drills with people extra and so on.  Mike is the epitome of a great teammate.  I think everyone on the team is really happy for him to win the title.  He deserves it.  He’s worked really hard.  And he’s just a great guy. 

Fighters.com: Before we part, I have a question about the World Grappling Championship in Switzerland. Honestly I was surprised to discover that you are competing in a grappling tournament just days after your fight against Ricco Rodriguez in December.  Can you explain the tournament a bit and how you earned a spot?

Jeff Monson: Yeah, it’s exactly what happened last year.  [laughing]  I lost a fight to “Rock” Pedro Rizzo by technical knockout.  [laughing]  I had nineteen stitches on my left eye and then went to Turkey the following weekend to compete in the World Grappling Championship.  Hopefully this year I’ll come in a little better shape than last year.  [laughing] 

The United States team is set.  We’ve already had the national tournament.  The winners and the guys who came in second are part of the U.S. team that go over to Switzerland.  There’s fifty other countries involved: Russia, Turkey, Japan, England, Switzerland, Ireland, and so on.  The place winners from these countries’ national tournaments make up their teams as well.  It’s like an Olympic games for grappling, so to speak. It’s set up just like the Olympics, similar to how wrestling is done. 

Myself and Brandon Ruiz are representing the U.S. in the heavyweight division.  Brandon took second place in the nationals.  So, the top two guys are going over to the tournament.  Brandon and I can possibly meet in the finals.  I mean, if we meet it will only be in the finals because we’ll start at opposite ends of the brackets. So yeah, the top two guys in the U.S. are going over to Switzerland to compete. 

Fighters.com: Jeff, thanks for the enthusiastic interview.  Best of luck in your upcoming fights.

Jeff Monson:  Thanks, anytime. 

“Cowboy” Donald Cerrone (8-1) versus “Razor” Rob McCullough (16-5) made “Fight of the Night”.  Cerrone won the unanimous decision over McCullough.

Rani Yahya’s (12-2) guillotine choke on Yoshiro Maeda (23-6), which ended the fight at 3:30 of round one, was “Submission of the Night”.

Brown, Cerrone, McCullough, and Yahya each earned $7,500 in addition to their regular fight purse.

“Bad Boy” Leonard Garcia (11-3) was awarded a separate bonus of $7,500 for his performance versus “Little Evil” Jens Pulver (22-9-1), according to MMA Weekly.  Garcia won via TKO at 1:12 of the first round.

Brown took the title decisively following a right hand that laid the former champ out. 

Chael Sonnen (21-9-1) won a surprisingly boring unanimous decision over Fighters.com’s third-ranked middleweight and WEC Middleweight Champion Paulo Filho (15-1) in a non-title fight that was heckled by fans throughout.  Official scores were 10-9 twice for Sonnen, 10-8 for Sonnen.

 ”Bad Boy” Leonard Garcia (11-3) dismantled “Little Evil” Jens Pulver (22-9-1) in a 1:12 TKO shocker to move up the ranks in the WEC’s stacked 145-pound division.

Jake Rosholt (5-0) powered to victory over Nissen Osterneck (4-1) in the second round via TKO stoppage.

Rani Yahya (12-2), Danny Castillo (4-1), “The Fury” Carmelo Marrero (9-2), Jose Aldo (11-1), “The A-Train” Aaron Simpson (2-0) and “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone (8-1) were all winners within the cage as well. 

Brown Shocks Faber To Take the WEC Featherweight Title

The arena was pumped for the title bout of the night as Mike Thomas Brown entered to a favorable home crowd.  The fight started quick as expected, but soon tied up into the clinch.  Both fighters threw leather, but Brown’s right hand set the tone for the surprise to follow. 

“I train with the best team in the world.  All I have to do is perfrom like I do in training each day.  I don’t have a lot of knockouts on my record, but I hit fucking hard, man,” announced the new WEC Featherweight Champion, Brown. 

Faber rushed in with a careless elbow attempt only to get tagged with a hard and heavy right hand from the challenger.  Faber went down to the mat and covered up as Brown plastered the champ with punches.  Referee Troy Waugh stopped the fight at 2:23 of the first round. 

Sonnen Glides To A Boring Victory Over An Overweight and Passive Filho

Filho’s entrance into the cage proved to be a metaphor for his performance to come as fans heckled loudly in disapproval in what most assume was a reaction to the veteran’s failure in making weight for the bout. 

The fight between Filho and Sonnen was an absolute deflation to an evening of otherwise exciting and fast-paced bouts.  Filho preferred to lay on his back for the majority of the fight resulting in continuous stand-ups by the referee.  During the fight, Sonnen definitely scored in the stand-up game, but showed hesitation at moments in answering Filho’s lackluster performance. 

Sonnen seemed satisfied to pepper his opponent with jabs and the occasional straight shot resulting in what appeared more as an exhausted round of western boxing set to a chorus of moans and vocal disappointment by the fans on hand. 

Sonnen took a unanimous decision win in this unfortunately boring mixed martial arts sequel. 

Garcia Stuns Pulver With Heavy Hands

Going into the fight,  Garcia hoped for a stand-up war with veteran “Little Evil”.  Although temporarily wobbled by a flurry of punches early from Pulver, Garcia weathered the storm to eventually land a strong right hand.

Pulver was immediately rocked falling to his knees and visibly hurt.  Garcia went in for the kill and unleashed a storm of punches resulting in a quick and surprising stoppage.  It was all over but the shouting at 1:12 of round one.

Rosholt Overpowers Osterneck

This middleweight challenge started out with the lightning fast pace of a typical featherweight affair.  Both fighters came out swinging with Nissen Osterneck (4-1) swarming Rosholt with a sloppy but continuous barrage of fists.  But, it wasn’t long before the superior wrestling skill of Rosholt took root and found Osterneck on the receiving end of pounding following numerous takedowns. 

Osterneck attempted a few submissions only to find himself mounted again and again by the feisty Rosholt. Momentarily in the second round Osterneck caught Rosholt with another flurry of punches, but the wrestler survived the clash only to get his hooks in again and score another strong mount.  The second round came to an official end via TKO stoppage at 3:48 with Rosholt pounding his way to victory.

The A-Train Railroads Avellan 

Pardon all the clichés here, but if ever there was an train wreck in the cage, this was certainly one for the ages.  “The A-Train” Simpson landed a devastating overhand right at 0:18 of the first round sending David Avellan (5-1) into the realms of unconsciousness.  It was a strong KO victory for Simpson augmenting his undefeated record in stunning fashion.

Yahya Chokes Maeda

Yoshiro Maeda (23-6-2) secured an early guillotine in what appeared to be a potentially tight and winning submission only to have Yahya escape and come back with a guillotine of his own.  Yahya hung on strongly to the choke, making Maeda tap at 3:30 of the first round. 

Castillo Stops Dias

Rafael Dias (12-5) was winning on the cards in round one with more technique all around against more wild shots coming from Castillo.  The fight was up and down with Dias looking the better of the two.

Round two found the two fighters in familiar exchange. Dias scored a takedown while Castillo attempted a guillotine. Castillo then tried for an armbar that proved too loose. Dias took Castillo’s back for a moment, but then wound up on the bottom.

But, it was a missed shoot by Dias that finally delivered the ending.  After missing the shoot, Castillo got on top and rained down punches until the fight was stopped at the 2:54 mark.

Marrero Wins The Split Over Steinbeiss 

Marrero’s wrestling skills came in handy for the UFC veteran in the bout against “The Hooligan” Steve Steinbeiss (4-2).

Taking Steinbeiss down often, Marrero avoided submission attempts.  The fighters utilized all weapons, exchanging body kicks in the second round before Marrero appeared gassed in the closing minutes.

Steinbeiss appeared fresh in round three, delivering shots to Marrero and temporarily stunning him.  Winning the round, Steinbeiss nearly got caught in a late guillotine attempt and took an elbow.  The final round ended with Steibeiss in the guard.

Marrero won a split decision with a 29-28 score twice against Steibeiss’ 29-28 third round score. 

Aldo Defeats Brookins In Late Round Stoppage

Aldo scored much better than Jonathan Brookins (8-2) through the first two rounds and winning on the cards.

Aldo came into the second round with a knot over his eye even though he handed out the worse of the stand-up punishment.  Brookins looked surprisingly crisp in the second, but eventually took a lot of damage via leg kicks.

In the third round, Aldo dropped Brookins with a left hook and laid down the leather.  Taking a lot of punches but also hanging in, referee Troy Waugh stepped in and stopped the fight at 0:45 of the final round. 

The Cowboy Disposes The Razor

“Razor” Rob McCullough (16-5) came out with strong low kicks against Cerrone, only to have them answered by the middle of the first round.  Cerrone dropped McCullough with a right and mounted the injured fighter.  An elbow cut McCullough and eventually resulted in a stop to inspect the cut.  The first round started back up; and, Cerrone dropped McCullough again, but was saved by the bell.

In the second, a right uppercut dropped McCullough yet again, but ended up with Cerrone on the bottom.  Cerrone then grabbed an armbar; but, McCullough escaped.

The third round found McCullough landing an overhand right; but, Cerrone soon answered with leg kicks.  There were equal exchanges, but Cerrone turned on the heat and scored a strong takedown.  Cerrone landed a combination of punches late in the final round that hurt McCullough yet again.

Cerrone won a very clear unanimous decision.

Fighters.com: On November fifth you’re facing “California Kid” Urijah Faber (21-0) for the WEC featherweight title.  Some analysts have labeled Faber the best MMA featherweight in history.  Does facing a popular fighter like Faber bring intimidation or do you find motivation in the potential dethroning of a champion during the peak of his career?

Mike Thomas Brown:  I love being the underdog.  I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  Urijah is a very tough guy; but, I train with tons of tough guys.  It’s just another day at the office.

Fighters.com: Would you say that the approaching title bout is the most important fight of your life?

Mike Thomas Brown:  Every fight is important because each fight aligns you with the next.  This is for the WEC featherweight title, the most prestigious title for those in the 145-pound division.  The guy who holds that title is number one in the world.  This is my goal.  It’s the final piece of that puzzle.  It’s been a long, long journey.

Fighters.com: It must have been a real letdown to have the title fight rescheduled back in September due to Hurricane Ike.

Mike Thomas Brown:  I was crushed.  I poured everything into it.  I live down here in South Florida so I was here and ready to fight.

Fighters.com: How has the rescheduling affected you mentally?  Has the extra time provided you additional determination?

Mike Thomas Brown:  It is what it is.  It’s almost like training for an entirely new fight, but there is no extra determination.  This was already the biggest fight of my life.

Fighters.com:  You’re currently on a winning streak numbering seven fights and spanning nearly three years with the bulk of your only losses coming early in your career against big names such as “Neo-Samurai” Genki Sudo (15-5-1), Hermes Franca (18-7), and “J-Lau” Joe Lauzon (17-4).  What do you say to those critics who possibly do not see you as top contender alongside these fighters you lost to many years earlier?

Mike Thomas Brown:  I’m one of those guys that have kind of slipped through the cracks.  I just haven’t had the big media push like other guys.  I think the majority of people’s opinions are molded by the media.  Most of my fights haven’t been televised.  I just haven’t had that media push.  Hardcore fight fans know what I’m capable of doing; but, some people don’t know anything beyond The Ultimate Fighter television show.

Fighters.com:  Both you and Urijah share recent wins over “Big Frog” Jeff Curran (29-10-1).  Yours by decision; Faber’s by submission.  Do the recent and mutual fights against Curran provide any insight for you when preparing for Faber?

Mike Thomas Brown: Its hard to make comparisons in the fight.  Every fight is different and who knows.

Fighters.com: Some insiders are saying that Urijah has the edge over you in wrestling; whereas, others have stated that you are sneaking in under the radar with an edge in power and natural strength.  What do you say to such opinions?

Mike Thomas Brown: Uriah is a great fighter; but ,I honestly think I’ll be the stronger fighter in this fight.

Fighters.com: Of course, there are those who also say that you may bring more aggression in the fight as well.  Is this an accurate assessment?

Mike Thomas Brown: Well, I have nothing to lose and I’m a big underdog; and, so, it’s easy to throw caution to the wind and get wild.

Fighters.com: Do you train sometimes with veterans such as “Snowman” Jeff Monson (26-8) at American Top Team?

Mike Thomas Brown: I am a featherweight, so I actually don’t train much with any of the heavyweights here at American Top Team.  We have about twenty world class fighters around my same weight.

Fighters.com: Speaking of Monson, most MMA fans recall the prank video he put up on Youtube.com calling out “Kimbo Slice” Kevin Ferguson (3-1).  Then, of course, you put up a video a few days later calling Jeff out.  What’s the inside story behind these hilarious videos?

Mike Thomas Brown:  (laughing)  The “Munson” video was funny.   Here at American Top Team we are always busting balls and making fun of everyone and everything.  So, I came in one day; and, we were out back watching the Monson video and we thought it would be funny if I were to retaliate and call out Monson. It was pretty funny.

Fighters.com: What did you think about the recent devastation of Kimbo Slice at the hands of a fellow American Top Team fighter, “Silverback” Seth Petruzelli (10-4)?

Mike Thomas Brown: I kind of thought it was going to happen.  I just thought it was going to happen on the ground.  Kimbo has some decent boxing; so, I figured he would be okay there.

Faber most recently won a unanimous decision against former UFC Lightweight Champion “Little Evil” Jens Pulver (25-10-1) in June, extending his win streak to thirteen.

WEC 36 will be Faber’s sixth title defense.

Brown, from American Top Team, will look to extend his own seven-fight win streak. He most recently earned a unanimous decision over “The Big Frog” Jeff Curran (34-10-1) in June.

Also headlining the event is a middleweight title rematch between champion “Ely” Paulo Filho (16-0) and Chael Sonnen (20-9-1).