After laying claim as the new lightweight champion of his season, and a dominant win turned in at the shows finale against fellow finalist, Phillipe Nover, Escudero now finds himself in the same situation as Nover–he’s been pink slipped by the UFC.

After claiming the TUF title in December of 2008, injuries left “Hecho en Mexico” out of action until September of 2009, where he came in overweight for a lightweight match up against fellow TUF veteran Cole Miller. While he was able to pick up the win, an impressive knockout victory inside of the first round, this was the start of what UFC President Dana White indicated as “complacency” for Efrain.

Feeling that Escudero has become too comfortable and too privileged since winning his 6-figure contract and eventually losing 2 of his last three bouts to standouts Evan Dunham and Charles Oliveira, respectively, White felt that it was time for Efrain to travel around the regional circuit, build some humility, and maybe someday return to the octagon.

To date, Escudero is the only winner of “The Ultimate Fighter” to be cut by the organization–while Travis Lutter was released as well, the winner of the 4th season of TUF, he was a UFC veteran prior to the shows culmination, which was billed as a “Comeback” series.

However, a regional circuit run doesn’t appear to be in the cards for Escudero. MiddleEasy.com reports that the Arizona native is already well underway in the negotiation process with rival promotions Strikeforce as well as Bellator.

Should he enter the fold of either organization, he should prove to be a valuable asset for either, sine gaining a lot of notoriety within the UFC’s lightweight ranks, where he was groomed to be an eventual contender due to his wrestling credentials, heavy hands, and fast paced action–that is, should he make the 155-pound limit. In his last 4 bouts post-TUF, Efrain failed to make weight twice. In fact, he came in well over in his last bout within the organization, where he came in at a staggering 159 pounds in his lightweight-turned-catch weight bout against Charles Oliveira, where eventually the Brazilian was able to submit his Mexican foe with a standing rear naked choke in the third round at “UFC Fight Night 22″ on September 15.

So, MMA peeps, where would you like to see Escudero? Would he be better suited for Bellator and a possible run for their lightweight tournament? Or perhaps on the Strikeforce Challenger Series? Voice your opinions in the comments section below.

News broke straight from Escudero’s Twitter account, where he tweeted the following: “Hello true fan I was released by the Ufc today speaking to strikeforce and bellator. Taking a week off and make my way back!!!!!”

After being one of Season 8’s standout stars, the Mexican-born Escudero won the TUF 8 competition by taking a Unanimous Decision against Phillipe Nover. Escudero’s popularity and relevancy took a bit of a hit when he took an almost year-long absence from MMA for various reasons, but he bounced back in the best way possible and seemed on the fast track to Lightweight gold after TKO’ing Cole Miller. A win over Dan Lauzon was sandwiched between losses to Evan Dunham and Charles Oliveira, and apparently those losses were a good enough reason to let go of what could have been a major star, especially when you consider how the UFC has been milking the heritage of UFC Heavyweight Championship contender Cain Velasquez.

I respect that the UFC is trying to be very strict about who’s allowed to compete within the Octagon, but I can’t say I agree with this firing. I haven’t heard of any attitude problems with Escudero, so I’m left to assume that his firing was performance-related. I think that the UFC should lay the hammer down on fighters who obviously aren’t cutting it in the world’s biggest and best MMA promotion, but Escudero’s record was 3-2. It’s not the best in the world, but it’s by no means the worst.

In regards to what the future holds for Escudero, I think both Bellator and Strikeforce would be happy to have him. Strikeforce’s Lightweight division is rather weak, save for a few obvious exceptions, and they could really use someone who’s both popular and has the skills to (usually) back up his fame. Bellator would also see a big boost in their legitimacy by having someone like Escudero compete in their tournaments, the same kind of boost they received when Roger Huerta made the jump from the UFC to Bellator.

But no matter where he ends up, I think the future looks bright for Efrain Escudero We haven’t heard the last from “Hecho in Mexico”, oh no. I think he’ll get back into the UFC one day, and it may take years of grinding it out against mid-level competition both in and out of the UFC, but I think Escudero could challenge for a championship one day. He’s got all the makings of a star, and he’s got a huge amount of heart. It’s always darkest before the dawn, and I think that Escudero will rebound from this setback in a big way.

And what do you think, fans and friends? What promotion do you see Escudero signing with, and what are some non-UFC names that you’d like to see him compete against? And do you think the UFC acted too harshly when they fired Escudero?

The first fight that sticks out is “The Filipino Assassin” Phillipe Nover (4-2) versus “The Saint” Rob Emerson (9-8). This is a fight that has big consequences for both fighters. Both fighters are coming off of back to back losses staring at the three strike rule. When you have a fight in which one fighter must win to stay in the UFC, it tends to bring out the best in them. This is special because both men are trying to avoid getting the dreaded pink slip from Dana White and Joe Silva.

Emerson is a very aggressive fighter that loves to stand and trade shots with his opponent. Nover is no stranger to striking as he has trained in one martial art or another since he was ten years old. He has been focusing on his jiu jitsu for a while now and may want to try and end this fight early with a take down and submission. Now matter where the fight goes you can be sure that these two will leave it all in the Octagon in hopes of keeping their job with the most recognized MMA organization in the world. Fireworks should go off inside the Octagon during this one and sadly we may not see it.

The next intriguing match up you may not see is between Mostapha al Turk (4-4) and Rolles Gracie Jr. (3-0). Mostapha is a man who has not been able to have any success since his arrival in the UFC. He has been TKOed in both fights which I don’t think he will have to worry about in this match with UFC newcomer Rolles Gracie. Rolles is undefeated with all wins coming via submission which is not surprising being that he is a Gracie. I am always intrigued by the chance to see a Gracie step inside the Octagon. After all, it was another Gracie that many of us watched eyes glued to the television, as he submitted much larger men with moves most of us had never seen before. Now we have yet another Gracie entering into the UFC. Rolles has been splitting his time training between Greg Jackson’s MMA and Team Renzo Gracie (13-6-1). It will be interesting to see how far along his stand up game has evolved as most of the Gracie’s have lacked solid striking. However going against an admitted submission wrestler in al Turk, we could see the fight hit the mat very fast and witness the newest generation of Gracie pull off a submission reminding us all of Royce Gracie (14-3-3) and the start of the UFC.

The last fight that I wish was on the main card features “All American” Brian Stann (8-2) welcoming “Mr Wonderful” Phil Davis (4-0) to the UFC. I know Brian Stann has not come in with guns blazing since he came over from the WEC but the fact that he has transferred to Jackson’s Academy should intrigue anyone. Jackson has a knack for making average fighters become top ten fighters. Brian is very athletic and Greg Jackson is sure to have given him some new tools for his tool belt. Brian is also a fan favorite due to his hero status as a recipient of the Silver Star while serving in the Marine Corps.

Phil is one of the world’s top prospects in the sport being a four time All-American wrestler at Penn State University, a national champion and finishing his college career with a record 0f 116-20. These are major accomplishments that have the MMA world watching and waiting to see how he will fare in the sport. Training out of Alliance Training Center in San Diego he has managed to keep his record perfect even if it was only four fights.

All Star wrestler and world class prospect debuting against the Marine Corp Captain who many call an American hero. Intrigued yet? I don’t know about you but I get very excited to see fighters making their UFC debuts, especially when the guy happens to be such a major prospect. If he beats Stan his status of prospect becomes set in stone and he will sky rocket in popularity. That is if anyone other than those attending the event actually were to see the fight.

Those are three most intriguing fights we may not see at UFC 109. Is there a fight I did not mention that you feel belongs here? Maybe a fight I mentioned that you laughed out loud while reading about here? As always you can join me on MMA Gospel Radio every Wednesday from 8-10 PM EST by logging into www.blogtalkradio.com/mmagospel. We have the “Cageside Chat” open where you can talk with our other listeners as well as myself and co-host. Hope to see you there.

The bout started with both fighters kicking. Nover looped a big right hand at Efrain’s head, which he ducked for the takedown. Escudero postured up, but Nover kept him away with his legs and scrambled to his feet, eating a right punch on the way. Escudero got Nover’s back and transitioned to full mount. Escudero rained down heavy right fists into Nover’s face before getting back on top. Nover attempted a triangle choke but with one leg trapped under Escudero was unable to cinch it. Before the end of the round Escudero was able to take Nover down to the mat several more times.

In round two, Nover threw a leg kick, then tried punches, but Efrain got the single leg for the takedown. The fight alternated between stand-up and the ground, with Escudero dictating. They both threw knees as they clinched at the cage. Escudero’s right hand tagged Nover and he landed a few inside leg kicks. Escudero scored another single-leg takedown, but they soon stood back up. Nover charged at Escudero with a big kick to the body, but Escudero caught him and slammed him as the horn sounded.

Another takedown by Escudero began round three, but Nover worked hard to get out, elbowing his side hard. Back to stand-up, Nover connected with two stiff jabs. He threw a knee which Escudero caught and again was wrestled to the mat. Nover worked for the omoplata while elbowing at Escudero’s shoulder. He tried to muscle his left foot under Escudero’s chin but Escudero rolled out with half a minute left in the fight. Escudero’s windmilling legs kept Nover from getting close enough to set anything up before the round ended.

The judges awarded Escudero the unanimous decision victory with scores of 29-28 across the board.

Fighters.com:  I saw that you earned your black belt on Saturday, congratulations.

Phillipe Nover:  Thank you.  Yeah, I didn’t even really expect it.  I guess when you least expect things, sometimes they happen.  I trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu for about eight years now, and my teacher, Soca (Alexandre Freitas), gave me my brown belt a few years ago.  Soca had a promotion ceremony and he was like, “Be there, man!  You better be there,” and I’m like, “Okay, okay.”  I thought I’d probably get some stripes and then I got my belt instead.  It was a big, big deal for me.

Fighters.com:  How is your training going?

Phillipe Nover:  Really good.  I really trained specifically for Efrain’s style and what I remember him to be on the show and analyzing his fights.  I train about eight to twelve sessions a week.  I do mostly double days and I’ve been doing about twice a week of live training like sparring and stuff and my conditioning.  I feel really good.  My weight’s good, I feel more ready for this fight than any other fight.  You know, pretty much I had Efrain on my mind for the last five, six months.  I’ve never been so focused on one particular person.

Fighters.com:  Is that more training than you were doing before?

Phillipe Nover:  Oh yeah, it’s definitely more training.  I quit my job, actually.  I quit my full-time job.  When I got back from the show, I downgraded to part-time at the hospital and I couldn’t even handle that.  So I quit the emergency room job and I only work eight hours a week now as a nurse in intervention radiology, which is a lot easier position.  It’s a controlled environment, and it’s a lot easier especially if I’m training all the time.

Fighters.com:  What made you choose nursing?  Is it something you’d always had an interest in?

Phillipe Nover:  It’s kind of weird, because usually… well my mom is Filipino and usually the Filipino mom is the nurse, but it’s actually backwards.  My father, who’s American, is actually the nurse.  My mom does real estate and insurance.  But my dad always wanted me to get involved in the medical field, whether it was [as] a physician or a pharmacist or physical therapist, and he said, “What about nursing?  I’m a nurse.”  And I saw he was the breadwinner of the household, [and] he said I wouldn’t starve.  I made a decision, and it worked out well.  I really enjoyed the profession and it’s a great position for a male, too.

Fighters.com:  Do you miss it, not working full time?

Phillipe Nover:  I definitely miss some of the action.  I used to work night shifts.  I do visit the hospital at like twelve, one o’clock in the morning and just see my old co-workers.  A couple of weeks ago I visited and they had a trauma coming in, and I got, “Oh, this is great!  Let me try to jump in.”  But you know, I couldn’t jump in.

But other than that I really want to focus on the fighting right now.  This is my ultimate dream.  It wasn’t really nursing.  My ultimate dream was to be a pro fighter and just train all day and get paid to do it.

Fighters.com:  You were born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, but you made a point of showcasing your Filipino heritage on the show.  Your mom is Filipino and you’ve spent some time in the Philippines…

Phillipe Nover:  Yeah, actually, when I was growing up, ever since the age of seven or eight, I went back every summer or every other summer.  I have so much family there, so many aunts and uncles and titas and kuyas.  My mom has five sisters and one brother and they’re all older than her, and they have kids, and the kids have kids.  I love going back and seeing my family there.  I’m going back in January.

Fighters.com:  When was the last time you were there?

Phillipe Nover:  I was there, I believe, a year and a half ago.

Fighters.com:  Do you speak Tagalog?

Phillipe Nover:  Kaunti lang.  A little bit.  Just enough to get by.  Maybe like a Tarzan type of Tagalog.

Fighters.com:  How big is your following in the Philippines?  Do you know?

Phillipe Nover:  I don’t really know quite yet.  The last time I was there, and I wasn’t in the UFC… pretty much nobody really knew me except some of my relatives and some of my friends over there who also happen to train.  I’ve recently just been talking and e-mailing with my cousins over there, and they said that people are starting to find out the message I’m presenting, especially on the show eating balut and stuff, and I had some subliminal messages.

I don’t know if people saw them, like on my hat I colored in a Filipino flag and I made some signs that said, “Sipag at Tiyaga” (hard work and patience).  I had it up for the Red Team in our room.  My mouthpiece was the Filipino flag colors.  And I made Filipino pork barbecue.  There was a Filipino guy who was one of the workers for the producers and he got us food, so whenever I would see him I would talk to him in Tagalog even though we’re not supposed to talk to them.  I was like, “Get me the pork shoulder, get me the whole pork shoulder and skewers,” and he got me the whole pork shoulder and I barbecued it.  The guys ate it; they loved it, even though I’m trying to feed them unhealthy food.  [laughing]  I only had a piece, but man, I’m trying to get these guys nice and fat.  [laughing]

Fighters.com:  This was your third time trying out for The Ultimate Fighter, I believe.  Which other seasons did you try out for?

Phillipe Nover:  True, I tried out for season two, I believe.  That was the season with Luke Cummo (6-6) and Joe Stevenson (29-8) when they fought.  I do remember trying out for that.  When I went to the tryouts Dana [White, UFC President] said I didn’t have enough experience at the time – I only had like two fights.

And then season seven I tried out for the 185 division.  I went down there with my friend Matt Brown (9-7) who happened to get on the show and do well.  So we both tried out.  He’s heavier than me so he got on, but Dana said, “Your record looks good, your jiu-jitsu looks good, but man, you’re too small to get in this show.”  I was like, “All right, this sucks.”

That didn’t stop me.  As soon as I heard that season eight had 155-ers – I never even cut to 155, I was a 170-pounder; I fought at 185 a couple of times too.  But I was willing to do anything and when I heard it was 155, I started dieting, exercising, and I went down there and I did pretty good at the tryouts.  They accepted me.

Fighters.com:  How do you feel as a lightweight?  Do you see yourself staying at 155?

Phillipe Nover:  I definitely see myself staying at 155.  I feel like I still have the power of a 185-er or a 170-pounder, but I’m faster now.  I feel like I could last longer, my conditioning is probably the best it’s ever been in my life.  I hooked up with a really good conditioning coach also and he just really pushes me to the limit.  At 185 or 170, I don’t think I could be doing the same things I’m doing now.

Fighters.com:  You are a heavy hitter, especially for a lightweight.  Is that what makes your strikes so powerful?

Phillipe Nover:  Even before the show I’ve been told that, “You hit real hard.”  I guess it’s just the way I move my hips and the way that I was taught to punch.  I don’t really punch just with my shoulder and my hand; I turn and commit to it.  It’s a big commitment when you land one or two shots like that.  They make a big difference, especially when you’re wearing four-ounce gloves.

I’m used to wearing headgear and boxing gloves.  When you hit someone with those punches, if you can stun someone with that type of gear on, imagine what you can do with just four-ounce gloves.  You know, you could start breaking jaws.  [laughing]

Fighters.com:  Your standup is excellent, you just got your black belt, and you’ve trained in multiple disciplines since you were about ten.  How would you describe your particular style?

Phillipe Nover:  If I would use a few words, I’d say it’s well-rounded, it’s leaning toward what a mixed martial artist should be.  As a mixed martial artist you really should be training every aspect, you know.  I’ve been trying to pick up my wrestling lately, too.  I’m just training all the elements.  I’m striving to become the complete fighter, ‘cause that’s how I think the big names get there.  GSP [Georges St. Pierre (17-2)] and Anderson [Silva (23-4)], they both have black belts in jiu-jitsu, they both have really good standup, they’ve got amazing takedowns.  I’m trying to be the complete fighter.  I’m not going to say, I’m just going to train what I’m good at.  I’m going to train what I’m bad at so I can just get it better.

Fighters.com:  Obviously the path to a black belt is a process and you didn’t suddenly get much better, but how much will your promotion help your performance against Efrain?  Do you think passing that milestone will affect your fight?

Phillipe Nover:  Every time I get a promotion, I get this kind of fire in me.  I already had this feeling, this really crazy, “feel like a million bucks” kind of feeling, and getting my black belt really gave me a boost of energy, a boost of confidence, and it’s going to make me press my game.  Maybe I want to submit him now, I don’t know.  [laughing]

Fighters.com:  [laughing] Is that what you’re going to try to do?

Phillipe Nover:  I predict it’s going to end in the first round, I really don’t know how it’s going to end.  I just don’t know if Efrain can handle me for more than one round.  I’m not underestimating him, I think he’s a great fighter; I just don’t think he’s going to last more than one round with me.

Fighters.com:  Efrain is fairly well-rounded and a good wrestler with a good ground game; how do you plan to get around that?

Phillipe Nover:  He made it to the finals just like I did, and he’s a great kid.  He’s a good guy.  We basically lived together, ate together, slept in the same room, and, you know, I respect him completely.  He does have really good wrestling takedown ability, he has a good submission ability.  I don’t think Efrain has been taken to the deep end of the pool yet.  I’m not going to say that he fought scrubs before, but I’m going to say that he hasn’t fought a guy like me before.

I know he has a 10-0 record, which is an incredible record, or if you count the semis, that’s like an 11-0 record.  But I’m not included on that record.  ‘Cause I think I fought some guys before that I really went to the deep end of the water mentally and came out victorious, so we’ll see if Efrain can handle that, and if he can, he’s got all my respect.

Fighters.com:  You two were friends.  Have you kept in touch with him at all?

Phillipe Nover:  MySpace is a crazy thing.  We text.  We actually got each other’s cell numbers and stuff.  We talk.  I mean, the only thing I think that’s stopping us from being more friendly is the fact that we’re going to beat the crap out of each other [on Saturday].  [laughing]

It was mentally easier for me to fight Joe Duarte (4-1) and Dave Kaplan (2-1), ‘cause I didn’t really like those guys as much.  I mean…  George Roop (8-1) was a really nice guy, and Efrain’s a really nice guy, so it might be mentally a little more difficult to fight Efrain, but once the bell rings and the cage door is shut, it’s a totally different mentality, it’s strictly business.  It’s a sport, but at the same time I’ve got to separate all the emotions, that he’s a nice guy, and just come out there and smash him.

Fighters.com:  How does it feel, headlining the event?

Phillipe Nover:  Wow, that was pretty wild, because I actually didn’t know I was headlining until I looked it up on the internet when my brother called me and said, “Hey, look on the internet.  You’re headlining the card,” and I was like, “What?!”  [laughing]  Seriously, that’s nuts.

A year ago I was hoping to get on an undercard in the UFC, you know, just to be one of the fights, not even to make it onto live pay-per-view, just to be on the undercard would be satisfying.  And now, I’m headlining an event!  I never even fought technically on a UFC card, and Efrain and myself are now… like everyone’s just waiting for us to fight.  It’s just mind-blowing.

Fighters.com:  Finally, what is your prediction for your fellow finalists, “Darth” Ryan Bader (5-0) versus “Pezao” Vinicius Magalhaes (3-3)?

Phillipe Nover:  Okay, I think Bader’s going to win by decision.  I think Vinny’s a really good fighter, they’re both really good fighters, but Bader is just so damn strong.  I mean, he was on my team and I felt this guy and he’s just so powerful.

Like, I think I had a time where I was trying to show a defense for a choke, and I was like, “This is how you do the defense,” and he was like, “All right,” and then he puts you in the choke.  And I could pretty much defend the choke if the guy wasn’t fifty, sixty pounds heavier, and you know, Bader.

It’s going to be hard for Vinny to sub him, I think, and if Bader wants to stay on his feet, he can, because Vinny isn’t going to be able to take Bader down.  Bader can control the fight better than Vinny.  If Vinny tries to jump guard and stuff, I don’t think he’s going to be able to sub Bader ‘cause Bader could just ground’n’pound and get up.  But yeah, my prediction is Bader by decision.

Fighters.com:  Thank you for your time.  Congratulations on your recent accomplishments, and good luck on your fight.

Phillipe Nover:  Thank you, and take care.

Following the broadcast the UFC announced the full lineup for the live finale of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir 13 December in Las Vegas.

Also on the card are a previously reported bout between middleweights “The Athlete” Jason MacDonald (19-10) and Wilson Gouveia (11-5), and a rematch between Kevin Burns (7-1) and “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (5-2).

Rounding out the main card is a lightweight match-up between TUF 8 competitors Junie Allen Browning (2-0) and David Kaplan (0-0).

The remaining ten competitors will also fight:

“The Experiment” Krzysztof Soszynski (16-8-1) v Shane Primm (3-0)

Eliot Marshall (4-1) v Jules Bruchez (1-0)

Kyle Kingsbury (8-1) v Tom Lawlor (4-1)

Shane Nelson (9-2) v George Roop (8-1)

Rolando Delgado (5-3-1) v John Polakowski (2-1)

In the semi-finals, Nover defeated Roop via first-round kimura, Escudero submitted Browning with a D’arce choke in round two, Bader won a unanimous decision over Marshall, and Magalhaes armbarred Soszynski in the first round.

Johnson will look to avenge his loss to Burns via eye poke in July, which was severe enough to require surgery.

UFC President Dana White proclaimed the same thing to this season’s 32 contestants to be coached by Nog’ and Mir for the TUF 8 championship at lightweight and light heavyweight; but, before he could finish his sentence, Phillipe Nover (5-0-1) hit the deck in a fainting spell.

“Fainting Phillipe” White called him; and, Nover had a tough opening challenge versus Joe Duarte (3-0).

“I’m going to have to make him faint again,” Duarte said before the fight.

But, it was Duarte who had to tap in a Nover rear naked choke in the second round to keep from fainting.

Nover opened the first round with a head kick, followed by a body kick.

“He hits like a heavyweight,” Nog’ said.

But, Duarte countered a Nover leg kick with a straight left that dropped Nover. Duarte pounced; and, Nover gave up his back and ate an elbow.  But, Nover actually pounded Duarte while Duarte had his back and attempted a rear naked choke.

In the second round, Nover tripped Duarte into half mount.  Duarte gave up his back; and, Nover slipped in the rear naked choke.

Mike Stewart (1-1) made the field of 32 when Jason Guida (17-17), brother of lightweight “Carpenter” Clay Guida (24-9), couldn’t make the 205-pound weight limit.

As quickly as he stepped-in, he stepped out after a straight left from Krzysztof Soszynski (15-8-1).

“Machete” Fernando Bernstein (0-0) “was more like the butter knife,” said White after Bernstein was quickly tapped out in a rear naked choke by Dave Kaplan (0-0).

“Sugar” Rashad Evans‘s (12-0-1) brother, Lance Evans (2-2), quit with a rib injury after one round versus “Pezao” Vinicius Magalhaes (0-1).

Built like a brickhouse Antwain Britt (3-1) won a light heavyweight spot in the TUF house in a majority decision slugfest versus “Big Deal” Ryan Jimmo (6-1).

Light heavyweight Jules Bruchez (0-0) was very confident after Eric Magee (1-1) in a rear naked choke.

Lightweight Brian McLaughlin (0-0) took it to Brandon Garner (4-1) in the first round before Garner zapped McLaughlin with an illegal knee and the fight was declared a No Contest.

White decided McLaughlin had earned a bed before the fight was stopped without a winner.

This season’s Jeremy May (5-5), Jose Aguilar (0-0), talked a lot before one round with Junie Allen Browning (1-0).

Browning rolled out of two Aguilar ankle locks on the road to an otherwise dominating striking and G’n'P display.

Aguilar quit in his corner, saying “I’m pretty.  That’s all that matters, dog.”

Browning was clearly Mir’s favorite fighter.  He coached Browning through his domination of Aguilar and told Nog’, “Don’t pick him.  He told me he hates Brazilians.”

The difference in personalities between Mir and Nog’ were immediately noticeable.  Mir talked a lot while Nog’ watched and said little.  Nog’ also revealed little about the fighters he’s eyeing for his team while Mir let slip who his early favorites were.

Next week, the final sixteen fighters will fight their way into the remaining eight beds.

The 16 lightweights and 16 light heavyweights will be coached by Fighters.com’s top heavyweight contender and interim UFC Champion “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-4-1) and former UFC Heavyweight Champ Frank Mir (11-3).

Lightweights

Jose Aguilar (0-0)
Fernando Bernstein (0-0)
Junie Allen Browning (1-0)
Rolando Delgado (0-0)
Joseph Duarte (0-0)
Efrain Escudero (10-0)
Brandon Garner (4-1)
David Kaplan (0-0)
Eric Magee (1-1)
Brian McLaughlin (0-0)
Wesley Murch (3-2)
Shane Nelson (9-3)
Phillipe Nover (5-0-1)
Ido Pariente (8-3)
John Polakowski (2-1)
George Roop (8-3)

Light Heavyweights

Ryan Bader (7-0)
Antwain Britt (3-1)
Jules Bruchez (0-0)
Charles Diaz (3-0)
Lance Evans (2-2)
Karen Grigoryan (6-1)
Jason Guida (17-17)
“Big Deal” Ryan Jimmo (6-1)
Kyle Kingsbury (7-1)
Tom Lawlor (4-1)
Ryan Lopez (4-4)
“Pezao” Vinicius Magalhaes (0-1)
Eliot Marshall (5-1)
Sean O’Connell (0-0)
Shane Primm (1-0)
Krzysztof Soszynski (15-8-1)

Among the international line-up are a Russian - Grigoryan, an Israeli – Pariente, a pair of Canadians – Jimmo and Soszynski, and a Brit – Murch.  The light heavyweight crew is more frequently battle-tested than the lightweights, including two fighters stepping into the house with more than 20 professional fights – Guida and Soszynski.

The action culminates 13 December, when SpikeTV airs the live finale.