UFC 52: Couture vs. Liddell 2
Preview
By Loretta Hunt
For the first time in its storied history, the UFC has named an event after its marquee fight. With the benefit of its hit reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter keeping Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell's faces in households across the country weekly, the move has already proven a profitable one. Projected sales have April 16th's UFC 52: Couture vs. Liddell 2 event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas selling out days, even weeks beforehand. Will round two between the UFC's two highest-profile fighters live up to the hype? Here's a look at this bout and seven others set to grace 52's card.
Light-Heavyweight Championship:
Randy Couture vs. Chuck Liddell
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Behind the bout: On June 6, 2003 at UFC 43, Randy Couture shocked the mixed martial arts community by taking it to consummate striker Chuck Liddell. Two years and a hit TV show later, it's Liddell's turn to play underdog in his quest for a UFC title.
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Randy Couture Scouting Report
Nickname: "The Natural"
Ht: 6'2"
Age: 41
Team: Team Quest
MMA Record: 13-6
Did you know? Couture has been tapped to commentate the April 28th U.S. Nationals for Wrestling on ESPN2.
Bio: A 4-Time Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling alternate, Randy Couture narrowly missed his chance to shine on a world stage, only to find another venue entirely as the all-time favorite of American mixed martial arts. Dropping down a weight division to clear out its top-three seeded candidates years after making his commanding debut in the sport at UFC 13, Couture has become the most decorated UFC champion in its eleven-year history, winning back both his heavyweight and light-heavyweight titles with an interim title thrown in for good measure. For the man who is revered by his fighting peers globally, finding training partners has never been a problem for the Team Quest patriarch. Besides his growing stable of Oregon teammates, Couture also enlisted the help of Dutch kickboxer and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Bas Rutten this time around for his second battle with Liddell. "We had a great week," says Couture of the training. "He brought Duane Ludwig up with him and I think my striking took another leap forward working with him in a seven- or eight-day period every day, twice a day. I think Bas is one of the most dynamic teachers that I've run across since I've been doing mixed martial arts." In his first square-off with Liddell, underdog Couture out-struck the striker to get and keep his flustered adversary on the ground. Can he do it again?
On his opponent: "In this fight, he obviously wants a different outcome, so he's gonna have to come out, be a little more aggressive and press the fight a little more, which will be uncharacteristic of his style, but that suits me very well and suits the style of fight that I want anyway."
In his favor: Couture has broken Liddell before. The mental ramifications of this from both sides service the top-notch tactician handily.
Against him: At this point, it seems only Couture himself could hold his performance back, but even legends have off-days from time to time, especially when they're nearing 42.
On the line: A TV star added to his recent credits, Couture's stock continues to rise to unprecedented levels in American and even international MMA. If the 41-year old can thwart injury, he has another fight left on his UFC contract and a chance to sign again. "There's been an offer made for another three-fight contract," says Couture, "but I think were definitely gonna wait before we discuss any of the terms till after this fight."
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Chuck Liddell Scouting Report
Nickname: "The Iceman"
Ht: 6'2"
Age: 35
Trainers: John Hackleman, Scott Adams, John Lewis, Tom Fries
MMA Record: 15-3
Bio: His knockout of former training partner Tito Ortiz at UFC 47 marked a man on a mission. Get past Ortiz and Chuck Liddell would get another shot at the belt. The former accountant-turned-kickboxer-turned dependable MMA stand-up artist hardly disappointed, following up his machine gunning of Ortiz with another KO victory over Lion 's Den fighter Vernon "Tiger" White at UFC 49. Added to his list of career knockouts that include Kevin Randleman, Guy Mezger, and Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Liddell's rise in popularity is well merited, but his loss to Couture almost two years ago has never been far from his thoughts. Liddell credits that defeat to his training, a delicate formula he has continued to tweak since his UFC 40 fight against Sobral, after his strength and conditioning coach moved away to Montana. "The biggest thing in the last fight [with Couture] was my conditioning," comments Liddell. "My conditioning helped him implement his game. He was able to force his will. I wasn't able to. I changed my training after that. By trial and error, we went through a lot of things. By the time we got to Tito, we had it down."
On the fight: "I'll be in a little bit better shape and be able to impose my will a little bit more."
In his favor: An above-average scrambler if taken down, Liddell's track record standing surpasses Couture's by a long shot.
Against him: Although he studied with "Rubber Guard" guru Eddie Bravo in February to add to his purple belt under John Lewis, Liddell has never seemed comfortable on the mats, especially with a ground-and-pounder like Couture hovering over him.
On the line: If he doesn't get the job done here, will Liddell ever get a shot at a title again?
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Welterweight Championship:
Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg
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Behind the bout: Wrapped behind Frank Trigg's back, Matt Hughes squeezed the rear -naked choke with all his might. His foe tried desperately to swat Hughes off before falling back and tapping out. This was the highpoint of November 2003's UFC 45. A year and a half later, how will chapter two play out for this talented pair of wrestlers?
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Matt Hughes Scouting Report
Ht: 5'9"
Age: 31
Team: Miletich Martial Arts
MMA Record: 37-4
Bio: By now it's a familiar story -- Illinois farm boy gets the call to the big time as he sits atop his tractor contemplating retirement. Fans are glad Matt Hughes didn't fold his game when he had the chance. He would go on to have one of the most exhilarating championship runs as a champion in the first three years of Zuffa Sports Entertainment's ownership of the UFC. Defeating deadly Japanese striker Hayato Sakarai at UFC 36, Carlos Newton a second time at UFC 38, and Trigg at UFC 45 was all part of the humble fighter's magical ride, until BJ Penn put an end to the 5-Time defending champion's reign at UFC 46. When Penn was stripped of his title amidst contract disputes, the 4-Time collegiate All-American was given another shot at the belt against touted newcomer Georges St. Pierre at UFC 50. Hughes armbarred this novice with only one second left on the first round clock, and went back home to his farm with the belt once again slung over his shoulder.
In his favor: A poised and methodical fighter, it takes a lot to rile the steamroller that is Matt Hughes.
Against him: A champion on and off for the last four years, is Hughes still as hungry as Trigg is?
On the line: With repeated rumors of lackadaisical training still making the rounds, only Hughes himself knows what's at stake in this fight.
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Frank Trigg Scouting Report
Nickname: "Twinkle Toes"
Ht: 5'9"
Age: 32
Trainer: Rico Chiapparelli
MMA Record: 12-2
Did you know? Trigg recently wrapped a month's work in London, England as one of Mick Jagger's ex-wife Jerry Hall's suitors on the reality TV dating show Kept. It airs on VH1 beginning in May.
Bio: One of the more flamboyant characters of the sport, Frank Trigg's mouth has gotten him into more hot water than any assault his opponent could impose on him. Luckily, when he enters the cage, his actions seem to back up his words, and the 2000 Olympic trials finalist has steadily improved his foothold in the UFC since losing his debut to Matt Hughes with dominant victories over Dennis Hallman (UFC 48) and Renato "Charuto" Verissimo (UFC 50). Once a stalwart ground-and-pounder, Trigg is now wading into the waters of stand-up and submissions with the assistance of his R-1 training camp (formerly rAw). Uber-confident to a fault, Trigg says he's now ready to become champion.
On his opponent: "I'm more well-rounded than he is. I wrestled him the first time and beat him up in the wrestling. He didn't do anything to me. I gave him my back. All he did was capitalize on my mistake and I gave the same mistake two other times before he acted on it."
In his favor: No apparent fear of the champion,Trigg believes in his skills. "My hands are so much better than the last time we fought," he remarks. "I have so much more confidence in my boxing, and my ground game has skyrocketed in the last six months."
Against him: Including his first bout with Trigg, Hughes' unadulterated strength has remained unmatched. It's hard to hatch a plan when you're being manhandled.
On the line: Like Liddell, a third title shot could be a long time coming with a crop of fresh welterweights nipping at Trigg's heels.
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Middleweight Bout:
Matt Lindland vs. Travis Lutter
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Behind the bout: A veteran returns to re-stake his territory. A newcomer looks to do a little prospecting of his own.
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Matt Lindland Scouting Report
Nickname: "The Law"
Ht: 6'0"
Age: 34
Team: Team Quest
MMA Record: 13-3
Did you know? Lindland's 10 year old daughter Robin has already had two shootfights in his own Sport Fight event, a growing promotion in the Northwest.
Bio: After getting knocked out by David Terrell at UFC 49 in only 25 seconds, Matt Lindland took a leave of absence from America's number one MMA promotion. "Not at all by choice," says the 2000 Olympic wrestling silver medalist, who went nine months out of the loop before that until he got the match with Terrell. "If I had been offered fights there, I would have taken ‘em. I don't think I ever needed to work my way back into that show." But to stay busy, Lindland took other fights in local promotions and in England's Cage Rage, while former teammate Evan Tanner went on to fight and beat Terrell for the reinstated middleweight title. Opponents like Tony Fryklund and Mark Weir thought beating Lindland would be their ticket back into the big show as well. Lindland remained undefeated. His seven wins in ten outings still make him the most victorious middleweight ever in the UFC, which brings Lindland back full circle.
On his opponent: "It looks like he's got a big right hand and I understand he's very good at the jiu-jitsu. I really don't see any areas where he's better than me. I've got the experience going into this fight, I'm very confident, and I'm looking forward to being in there."
In his favor: A ten-time veteran of the Octagon, Lindland's confidence often lands him in the driver's seat, where his wrestling prowess comes in mighty handy.
Against him: Lindland's willingness to explore his less-developed areas of expertise makes him more susceptible to flash finishes.
On the line: Despite his knockout to Terrell, Lindland's UFC record keeps him in the hunt for the belt. Adds Lindland: "According to Dana [White] at the last press conference, he said after I won this fight, I'd be fighting Evan." Count on Lindland to hold White to his word.
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Travis Lutter Scouting Report
Ht: 5'11"
Age: 31
Team: Team Lutter
MMA Record: 7-1
Bio: Like others on that ill-fated card, Travis Lutter's UFC 50 debut against kickboxing champion Marvin Eastman came on short notice, but already training to fight Englishman Mark Weir for a different event a few weeks later, Lutter felt ready enough to go for it. A Carlos Machado black belt and decorated ADCC grappler, all expected the quiet fighter to get the fight to the mats at all costs. Instead, Lutter stood with Eastman, but, with both fighters looking for the other to make the first move, hardly a punch was thrown in one of the less momentous rounds in recent UFC history. Then it came in round two; a whopping overhand right that sent Eastman flat onto his back. In true UFC form, another underdog had earned an invitation back, this time down at 185 pounds on matchmaker Joe Silva's recommendation. At 200 pounds three weeks out from the show, the man who once traveled from South Dakota to Texas to learn jiu-jitsu says he's sucking it up. "It's been a long time. We're talking a lot of years since I've weighed 185 pounds, but I wrestled in high school and college, so I know how to cut weight. "
On his opponent: "It's a great honor to be fighting a veteran UFC fighter. I think I match up really well with Matt, whether we're on the ground or standing, so I think he's gonna get to decide where we're gonna fight ‘cause it's not really gonna matter to me."
In his favor: Matchmaker Silva has made some solid weight calls in the past (i.e. Murilo Bustamante who went on to become champion). Dropping down to middleweight could unlock a whole new fighter for Lindland to handle on the fly.
Against him: Although it appears he may have the greatest advantage on the mats, Lutter could choose to stand, giving Lindland the chance to score takedown after takedown for the decision.
On the line: If his performance resembles anything like his hesitant first round waiting game with Eastman, this could be Lutter's last trip to the Octagon for a while.
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Middleweight Bout:
Joe Riggs vs. Ivan Salaverry
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Behind the bout: A bona fide powerhouse looks to shake up the UFC hierarchy by besting his toughest adversary yet.
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Joe Riggs Scouting Report
Nickname: "Diesel"
Ht: 5'11"
Age: 22
Team: Arizona Combat Sports
MMA Record: 27-4
Did you know? Looking for the latest volume on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques? Riggs is your man at the Glendale Public Library, where he volunteers at its information desk.
Bio: The day before Joe Riggs was supposed to leave for his impending UFC 51 fight with David Loiseau, the fighter tripped coming out of the shower and slammed his face into a wall. The blow merited fifteen stitches, and, although they would be taken out a day before the fight, the promotion couldn't take a chance and the 2-Time All-American wrestler was speedily replaced. With three middleweight matches scheduled for UFC 52, matchmaker Joe Silva told Riggs to stay ready for a drop that came six weeks out from the show. A local star of Arizona's Rage In The Cage events, a 17-year-old Riggs began his fighting journey after seeing a flyer for the show in his gym. Hovering once over 300 pounds, Riggs' gradual slide down to the 185-pound division hasn't seemed to drain the power in his hands whether he be standing toe-to-toe or nestled in his opponent's guard. To add to his first place finishes at Grappler's Quest events, this Gustavo Dantes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt won his third professional kickboxing bout -- a knockout, of course -- in February's Desert Heat.
On his opponent: "Salaverry's a great all-around fighter. In my opinion, Salaverry's one of the tougher middleweights, maybe one of the top three."
In his favor: With a slew of knockouts above the average fighter norm, Riggs' power fists are tops in the division if he lands.
Against him: While opponent Salaverry toiled away on world-class competition in America and Japan, Riggs worked a smaller Arizona circuit. Is he ready for this level of opposition?
On the line: His debut versus Joe Doerksen got him in the door. A win over reputable Salaverry will be a sizable career boost.
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Ivan Salaverry Scouting Report
Ht: 6'0"
Age: 34
Team: AMC Pankration
MMA Record: 10-3
Did you know? Salaverry serves as Bob Sapp's personal trainer on movie sets and abroad.
Bio: Easygoing Canadian-born Ivan Salaverry had a secret weapon when he fought Russian Red Devil brawler Andrei Semenov at UFC 37. Along with a cache of studied techniques requisite at this level of fighting, the former Marine wrestler entered the cage a monstrous specimen after making his 185 pound limit the day before. As a result, opponent Semenov -- a master athlete himself -- was tossed around the cage like a rag doll for fifteen minutes in an impressive display of wills. Salaverry's name was born overnight. His next time to grace the Octagon at UFC 39, versus Matt Lindland, the half- Chilean fighter didn't fare as well to the Olympic wrestler's advances, losing the decision after a stifled three rounds. Fighting MMA bouts in Japan's K-1 kickboxing circuit two times before his return to the States at UFC 50, Salaverry has continued to train under the helm of MMA greats Matt Hume and Maurice Smith among training partners like Josh Barnett, Roman Roytberg, and Bob Sapp. His lightening-fast reflexes against Tony Fryklund at 50 had fans' mouths watering for more. Salaverry says he looks forward to obliging.
On his opponent: "He's one of those up-and-coming fighters; that new generation of fighter that has been raised on no-holds-barred UFC fights. He has very strong boxing and very strong wrestling, he's a southpaw, and he's coached by my old AMC teammates the Lally brothers [Trevor and Todd]."
In his favor: Salaverry's versatility and fluidness from discipline to discipline makes him hard to catch. "I try to push out there as a full fighter," he says. "I don't try to face my fight on just one aspect."
Against him: As Matt Lindland demonstrated at UFC 39, a dominant wrestler, like Riggs, could take Salaverry out of his game.
On the line: Out of the American spotlight a bit until he returned to school Tony Fryklund at UFC 50, a victory here could set Salaverry up for his run towards a title shot.
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Welterweight Bout:
Georges St. Pierre vs. Jason Miller
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Behind the bout: They were meant to rumble at UFC 48, but Jason Miller had a prior commitment with the law to tend to first. "Polished" meets "rough around the edges" in this potential fight of the night.
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Georges St. Pierre Scouting Report
Nickname: "Rush"
Ht: 5'11"
Age: 23
Trainers: Fabio Holanda, Stephan Potvin
MMA Record: 7-1
Did you know? Accosted by a rampant rooster in his childhood, St. Pierre has a fear of these feathered early risers to this day.
Bio: Deemed the welterweight to watch in the coming years, French Canadian Georges St. Pierre has already caught the fancy of UFC fans in his three appearances with the promotion. From his safe but powerful ground-and-pound assault on Karo Parisyan at UFC 46 to his dismantling of Jay Hieron with punches at UFC 48 even to his recent loss to champion Matt Hughes at UFC 50 that saw the young fighter get the best of his elder for much of the round, St. Pierre's finesse and instincts promise a well of potential for years to come. A 2nd degree black belt in Kyokushin Karate, as well as a black belt in Japanese ju-jitsu, St. Pierre is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Brazilian Top Team's Fabio Holanda. He has studied boxing and Muay Thai for the last two years and began wrestling with the Canadian National team four years ago. This kid means business.
On his opponent: "I heard he's a very good jiu-jitsu guy, so I'm gonna have to be very careful with submission. If you want to brawl with me, I'm happy to hear that because I do not go into a war for nothing."
In his favor: Already recognized as a natural physical talent, St. Pierre learned a valuable lesson with his first and only loss to Hughes, and came out a mentally-stronger fighter. "I was too much nervous," he says. "Two months before the fight, I make much scenario in my brain before I sleep and it caused me a lot of problems. Now before a fight, I'm less stressful than I was. It's normal to be afraid and I am more comfortable [with that]."
Against him: With less tape available on Miller, St. Pierre admits he was still scrambling to assess his opponent a few weeks out from the fight.
On the line: With his competitive turn against Hughes still fresh in fans' minds, a follow-up victory will only encourage more talk of this Canadian's contendership no matter if Hughes or Trigg comes out on top April 16th.
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Jason Miller Scouting Report
Nickname: "Mayhem"
Ht: 6'1"
Age: 24
Trainers: Marc Laimon, "One Kick" Nick, Joe Stevenson
MMA Record: 24-4
Did you know? Georgian Miller survived on Fruity Pebbles and slept in his van when he trekked across the country to join Team Punishment in California.
Bio: Growing up in Georgia, Jason Miller had a penchant for troublemaking. "I was a knucklehead who thought it was cool to swat GIs and get in fist fights with them," explains the kooky fighter who earned his nickname years before he ever saw a ring or cage. "I thought I was a real tough guy, but then I learned it's not about that. You have to learn all the martial arts." A friend introduced Miller to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 16 and the future fighter says he was awestruck. Miller hunted down every school he could find in search of the best teachers and techniques, and eventually found his way out to California, where he ended up grappling on the mats with Tito Ortiz and Team Punishment. Underdog Miller broke through with an impressive TKO victory over Egan Inoue at SuperBrawl 32 and followed it up with a submission win over Ronald Jhun a year later in the same promotion. His illegal tendencies behind him, he says, Miller now lives and trains in Las Vegas.
On his opponent: "I'd rather kickbox and show everybody that his whirligig kick is all he's got along with his jab. The best thing about fighting a pretty guy is I get to make him as ugly as I am naturally."
In his favor: Miller prides himself on his grappling and if St. Pierre's loss to Hughes told us anything, it's that the French Canadian is susceptible on the ground.
Against him: St. Pierre's controlled athleticism could prove too detrimental to Mayhem's more frenetic style.
On the line: With a larger-than-life personality to match his raw fighting style, fans eager to see what Miller will do next could become smitten.
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Middleweight Bout:
Patrick Cote vs. Joe Doerksen
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Behind the bout: After falling flat in their UFC debuts, two fighters get a second go-around to show they belong with the big boys.
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Patrick Cote Scouting Report
Nickname: "The Predator"
Ht: 5'11"
Age: 25
Team: Team Union/BTT Canada
MMA Record: 6-1
Bio: Growing up in Quebec City, Patrick Cote boxed for two years before trying his luck in MMA. As a 6-1 amateur pugilist, Cote's hard hands quickly made him a favorite in the UCC-turned-TKO promotion where he became its light-heavyweight champion. Originally scheduled to face kickboxer Marvin Eastman at his UFC 50 debut last October, Cote volunteered to move up the card on a scant few days notice when main eventer Guy Mezger bowed out with medical problems. Opponent Tito Ortiz pinned Cote underneath him for much of their three-round affair, but was unable to cut his unyielding junior and the young French Canadian rode out to a decision loss. "It was a good opportunity for me, exposure for me and my team, and it was good money," laughs the polite Cote, who, at the UFC's recommendation, will cut down to the middleweight division to face last-minute opponent Doerksen.
On his opponent: "I know in stand-up he cannot hurt me, and I want prove to everybody that I'm good on the ground."
In his favor: Opponent Doerksen has been looking to score on his feet in his last few bouts, and Cote has a good chin. The longer this stays standing, the better chance Cote's got to excel.
Against him: A blue belt under Brazilian Top Team rep Fabio Holanda, Cote might not be equipped with the tools he needs to stave off black belt Doerksen on the ground.
On the line: The final bout on a limited two-fight deal he was awarded for tangling with Ortiz, Cote hasn't had a chance to show off his strong suit and a good banger is always welcome.
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Joe Doerksen Scouting Report
Nickname: "El Dirte"
Ht: 6'0"
Age: 27
Trainers: David Horvath, Giuseppe DeNatale
MMA Record: 29-6
Did you know? Of the plentiful name manglings Joe has suffered at the hands of misguided ring announcers, "Dork-son" and "Deer-skin" are his favorites. (For those wondering, it's pronounced "Dirk-sen.")
Bio: Ask anyone who knows Joe Doerksen, and they'll tell you the Canadian simply wasn't himself the night he stepped into the cage with Joe Riggs at UFC 49. Riggs grabbed the reigns early on that night and never let go, brutalizing his overwhelmed opponent so badly, that Doerksen verbally submitted with a broken nose before the second round was through. "I wasn't on that night," the 27-year-old recalls. "I wasn't on top of my game at all. To me, emotionally, everything was just at the wrong time, and it was just weird, and it didn't make sense to me because training had gone so well. And then I just folded up in the fight, and maybe the pressure got to me a little more than I expected it to." But, second chances are given, even in MMA, and the recently promoted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt says he won't squander the opportunity to shine in the Octagon at UFC 52. The victor of the high-profile Extreme Challenge/SuperBrawl middleweight tournament two years ago, Doerksen won 17 of his first 19 fights via submission holds before three losses in a row convinced him to invest in stand-up training. Since his loss to Riggs, the Winnipeg resident has rekindled his fires, clocking in two more wins, including a third-round submission of Team Quest up-and-comer Ed Herman at Sport Fight. "I sat too much in the Riggs fight and waited for something to happen for me and it doesn't work that way. You have to go out there and take it from him."
On his opponent: "I think he's got absolutely zero chance in hell on the ground. Zero. His stand-up is aggressive and wild, but I don't think he's that technical. I think I'm better standing than him as well. His only opening is to land a clean good punch."
In his favor: Doerksen's level of competition and experience far exceeds the Canadian pup's he's set to tame.
Against him: Although he fought in the IFC four weeks ago, Doerksen got the UFC call only two weeks out from the show when Brit Lee Murray couldn't overcome visa problems. Will be he ready?
On the line: You only get one chance to make a first impression, but MMA fans can forget anything if Doerksen pulls out all the stops here.
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Light-Heavyweight Bout:
Renato Sobral vs. Travis Wiuff
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Behind the bout: Wrestlers of varying pasts cross at the Octagon's gates.
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Renato Sobral Scouting Report
Nickname: "Babalu"
Ht: 6'1"
Age: 29
Team: Gracie Barra Combat Team
MMA Record: 24-5
Did you know? Babalu was the Brazilian national wrestling champion in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
Bio: Although already a decorated mixed martial artist years before he stepped into the Octagon, Renato "Babalu" Sobral shot onto the American radar with his dominant upset victory over former heavyweight champion Maurice Smith. At that time, Babalu was already 13-2 from fights in the IVC, Brazilian Vale Tudo, and Rings, where he ripped through its 32-man King of Kings tournament only to fall to Dan Henderson in the finals. Training in Muay Thai and submission wrestling from the age of 12, he earned multiple national championships in his teens and beyond. He returned to UFC 35 only to be held down by an ailing Kevin Randleman to a decision loss. At UFC 38, Sobral annihilated and outclassed Elvis Sinosic, but was knocked out by Chuck Liddell with a kick just two shows later. His break away from lifelong trainers Marco Ruas and Pedro Rizzo caused a rift that remains in speculation. Joining the Gracie Barra team, Sobral reemerged in Denver, Colorado for the IFC's high-profile light-heavyweight 16-man, one-night tournament. A battered Babalu bested Trevor Prangley, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, and Jeremy Horn to become the champion that night. Continuing his impressive showings in England's Cage Rage event, Babalu even squeezed in a win over Jose "Pele" Landi -Jons at Jungle Fight 3 last October. His return to the UFC is long overdue.
In his favor: Skilled in all facets of the game, opponent Wiuff has simply never faced a talent like Sobral's.
Against him: Sobral has been held down and neutralized by ground-and-pounders before.
On the line: If his personal affairs are now indeed in order, Sobral could be a serious threat to the UFC light-heavyweight division.
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Travis Wiuff Scouting Report
Nickname: "The Diesel"
Ht: 6'3"
Age: 27
Team: Team Extreme
MMA Record: 35-4
Did you know? Wiuff weighed close to 270 pounds in his first MMA fight.
Bio: Traditionally, a mixed martial artist works his way up the ranks. For Travis Wiuff, his journey has been a bit backwards, but he's persisted and earned his way back for his second UFC appearance. Spotted in a crowd by UFC veteran Brad Kohler, the fighter-turned-promoter asked the unassuming Minnesotan if he'd like to give MMA a try. The 3-Time All-American wrestler was enticed and won his first bout at Ultimate Wrestling Minnesota 1 in September 2001. Fourteen months and a string of victories later, Wiuff found himself standing across from Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 40. In over his head, Wiuff was easily outmaneuvered by the seasoned Belarussian for a TKO first-round stoppage. Today, Wiuff has won 23 of his 24 fights since UFC 40, climbing his way back up the ladder with key victories over Carlos Barreto, Roman Zentsov, Ibraghim Magomedov and, most recently, 2004 Olympic wrestler Antoine Jaoude.
In his favor: With nineteen wins in a row, Wiuff has got his game down pat. Down to 205 pounds for the first time in his career, Wiuff could be a caged monster come April 16th.
Against him: While it's worked on B-level heavyweights, will that same game work against the heavily-experienced Sobral?
On the line: A ground-and-pounder all the way, striking-starved spectators may remain unimpressed even if Wiuff pulls off the win. In response, Wiuff has been pushing himself to stand and slug it out a bit more in recent fights.
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Heavyweight Bout:
Mike Van Arsdale vs. John Marsh
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Behind the bout: Two chiseled specimens enter the fray duking it out for a piece of the action.
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Mike Van Arsdale
Scouting Report
Ht: 6'2"
Age: 39
Team: American Kickboxing Academy
MMA Record: 10-1
Did you know? Van Arsdale ate a half gallon of Breyer's ice cream every night for four years, only quitting when he joined the military.
Bio: An athlete all his life, Mike Van Arsdale has known no other way. "I was a little kid trying to get a trophy," he recalls. "The next thing you know I was state champion and national champion in high school, went to Iowa State and won the national tournament there. Then I quit." Off the circuit for three and half years, Van Arsdale was encouraged to jump back into competition as he watched colleagues of equal caliber continue to excel at national and even international levels. Van Arsdale's hunch was well-founded. With a lot effort, he earned an alternate slot in both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. MMA came knocking amidst it all and Van Arsdale excelled until one night in Brazil's IVC against a brutal up-and-comer named Wanderlei Silva. Joining the Army for the next few years, Van Arsdale says a turning point came at the age of 36, when his ailing father encouraged him to pursue fighting while he was still physically able. Squeezing training into his military service, Van Arsdale looked sharp at the World Fighting Alliance's WFA 3 against Aussie Chris Haseman, his last time in the MMA spotlight.
In his favor: Still fit even at age 39, Van Arsdale is known for his phenomenal speed and reflexes.
Against him: Only three fights in the last three years has limited Van Arsdale's experiences in an ever-changing sport. In addition, opponent Marsh will likely have 15-20 pounds on him to boot.
On the line: At 39 years old, the skeptics concede Van Arsdale's chances at a title are slim, but the able-bodied fighter is game to go for it. "I've been thinking of it since I was 36; what am I going to do with this [MMA]?" Van Arsdale comments. "But, I like it. I really enjoy doing it. A lot of people tell me I could probably win a title if I just tried. I decided as long as I feel good about what I'm doing and I like it, I don't care what the other people say."
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John Marsh
Scouting Report
Nickname: "The Bull"
Ht: 6'0"
Age: 34
Trainers: R-1 (formerly rAw)
MMA Record: 7-4
Did you know? Marsh is bodyguard to rap mega-star and master producer Dr. Dre.
Bio: A PRIDE, IFC, and SuperBrawl veteran, John Marsh is probably most identified by his water bottle slinging at Wesley "Cabbage" Correira during November 2003's UFC 45 near-riot fiasco. Apparently the did not take a liking to Correira's illicit hand gestures following his victory over Marsh friend and training partner Tank Abbott. Don't be fooled by his company. Marsh is a practiced fighter who went on to settle the score with Cabbage at May 2004's Rumble On The Rock 5. There, Marsh handily banged out the unanimous decision, not an easy task on the Hawaiian's home turf. Schooled on the ground and a competent wrestler thanks to his training with the likes of Rico Chiapparelli and Frank Trigg, Marsh would be a handful for any opponent.
In his favor: Marsh's noted strength can only benefit from the 15-20 pounds he might have on Van Arsdale come fight time.
Against him: Van Arsdale may be the better wrestler, allowing him to dictate where the fight goes.
On the line: Skilled heavyweights are always in demand, especially ones of Marsh's physical stature.
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