UFC 109 Live Stream

Everyone who follows mixed martial arts (MMA) knows that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is one of the two most influential organizations in the sport today (along with Pride). With the recent boom in MMA popularity, due in a large way to Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter Reality Television Show (TUF), champions like Matt Hughes, Rich “Ace” Franklin, Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, and Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia are quickly becoming commercially recognizable names. Of course, plenty of fighters have fallen prey to these champions in the ring, but that’s not what this article is about.

It’s about those who haven’t fallen prey yet.

Which UFC fighters that have never lost to the champion are worth mentioning? Who with a good showing over the next year might find themselves standing toe to toe with a UFC champion?

Forrest Griffin (Light Heavyweight)– This beloved light heavyweight winner of TUF 1 was involved in one of the best stand up wars in MMA history against Stephan Bonnar in the TV show’s finale. In a recent controversial split decision loss to Tito Ortiz, he gained a lot of respect. He’s accumulated a 12-3 record that includes a decision victory over Jeff “The Snowman” Monson.

Strengths– He’s tough as nails and highly intelligent. A very good striker with power. In addition, he did exhibit good takedown defense against Tito Ortiz in his last fight, and he’s in great shape every time he steps into the ring. The fans love his quick wit and charm which will no doubt aid him in his quest for a shot at the belt.

Weaknesses– Not great from his guard (though he has won two matches by triangle choke in his career). Doesn’t appear to have much in the line of takedowns.

Chris “The Crippler” Leben (Middleweight)– Arrogant, abrasive, loud, and willing to urinate on someone else’s bed, Leben was the perfect villain on TUF 1. Since the show he’s gone 5-0 in the UFC with high quality wins over Jorge Rivera (1st round knockout), Edwin Dewees (1st round submission), and Patrick Cote (decision). Before his UFC days, Leben dealt Mike Swick his only loss (another on this list), via 2nd round knockout. HIs overall MMA record is 15-1. 

Strengths– Hits very hard and can take a kick from a mule to the face and keep fighting. He’s exciting and has heart, which will no doubt aid him in his quest for a championship.

Weaknesses– His guard/ submission skills have been a weakness throughout his career, but they appear to be improving (as per his submission win against Dewees). He actually did lose by decision to Josh Koschek and by TKO to Kenny Florian on TUF 1, but those fights don’t count on his record. 

Nathan Marquardt (Middleweight)- Brings a 21-6-2 overall record, including two straight wins in the UFC. Many feel Marquardt may be next in line for a shot at Rich Franklin.

Strengths - Solid striking skills and excellent submissions (11 of his wins have come via submission).  Marquardt hasn't lost since 2003; he makes few mistakes.

Weaknesses - At times, can be too cautious. For example, in a recent match against Ivan Salaverry in the UFC, both he and his opponent were far too hesitant (the consequence, a somewhat slow moving fight that was difficult to judge). So the question is, when he goes up against a guy like Franklin who truly presses the action, how will Marquardt react? Will he become overwhelmed or will his opponent's aggressiveness play right into his mistake- free hands?

Jeff “The Snowman” Monson (Heavyweight)– Brings a 21-5 overall record and has won his last 15 fights. Monson has really burst back onto the UFC scene well with consecutive victories over Branden Lee Hinkle and Marcio Cruz. He trains with a strong camp (American Top Team).

Strengths– Great submissions, ground control, and strength (an Abu Dhabi Combat Club Champion). In addition, the lack of UFC heavyweight depth is bound to help him get a title shot. 

Weaknesses– Only an average, perhaps mildly below average MMA striker. In the past, he’s been defeated by strikers with good takedown defense like Forrest Griffin and Chuck Liddell. So, if he can be made to stand for any length of time against the likes of a Sylvia or an Arlovski, he’s in deep trouble.

Karo “The Heat” Parisyan (Welterweight)– Brings a 15-3 record, including 5 straight wins, 4 of which came in the UFC. In his last 10 matches, he’s only lost once (to Georges St. Pierre).

Strengths– Great takedowns, particularly of the judo variety. He also has great submission skills and cardio (non- stop action in the ring). Parisyan’s stand up isn’t bad either.

Weaknesses– Not very powerful. He’s been grounded and pounded before (the St. Pierre fight is an example). Therefore, the same possibility clearly exists if he walked into the ring with Matt Hughes.

His next fight against Diego Sanchez should be something. If he wins, look for a title shot if Hughes beats St. Pierre in the second go- around (Parisyan has already lost to St. Pierre, so if Georges wins, it won’t help him any).

B.J. “The Prodigy” Penn (welterweight)– A truly superb fighter with an MMA record of 10-3-1. He’s beaten some of the best including Renzo Gracie, Takanori Gomi, Rodrigo Gracie, Matt Serra, Caol Uno, and the current UFC Welterweight Champion, Matt Hughes (via a 1st round rear naked choke). Though he recently lost a decision to Georges St. Pierre, the controversy surrounding it still has some wondering if he’s better than the Canadian.

Strengths– He’s got great submission skills, an excellent guard, and unfathomable flexibility. Penn also has very good striking skills. Seven of his ten wins have come via stoppage (submission or (T)KO).

Weaknesses– Probably his only weakness in the welterweight division– and it’s a mild one– is power (he’s not as strong as a St. Pierre or Hughes). However, if he ever drops back down to his true weight class– lightweight– then that’ll be the end of that.

Brandon “The Truth” Vera (Heavyweight)– Cocky. However, his 7-0 MMA record coupled with three straight wins in the UFC appear to indicate that his confidence is justified. He made Fabiano Scherner (TKO), Justin Eilers (KO), and Assuerio Silva (submission) look average in recent matches.

Strengths– He’s very strong on the ground with both submissions and positioning. Further, his last three fights seem to prove that he’s also outstanding on his feet, with some really sharp leg strikes. In short, he looks ready to challenge the best the UFC has to offer in the heavyweight division (and light heavyweight division, if he has his way). The fact that the UFC heavyweight division is lacking in contenders won’t hurt his chances either.

Weaknesses– He’s so confident that it could end up hurting him at some point.

Mike “Quick” Swick (Middleweight)– Mike Swick’s nickname and record (9-1) tells you most of the story. He’s ended all four of his fights in the UFC since his appearance on TUF 1 quickly (all have been stopped within 2:20 of the 1st round). However, with his most recent first round stoppage of respected Joe “Diesel” Riggs, he jumped up a notch in many people’s books.

Strengths– His hand speed is just unbelievable. In fact, everything about him, including his submissions, seem to happen at light speed. He also has awesome power. Beyond that, the middleweight division is begging for a worthy challenger to champion Rich Franklin, and who better than Swick?

Weaknesses– It’s hard to gauge his cardio because his fights never go the distance. In his only MMA loss– a small market one against fellow TUF 1 competitor Chris Leben– he got knocked out, leaving many questioning his chin. He did get caught in Bonnar’s triangle in TUF 1– a decision that didn’t count on his record– but Swick was fighting out of his true weight class.

Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez (Welterweight)– The other winner from TUF 1. Since taking TUF 1 in dominant fashion, this undefeated (15-0) and highly confident fighter has shown he’s ready to try his hand against the best the UFC has to offer. In his last 3 fights he’s handled John Alessio (decision), Nick Diaz (decision), and Brian Gassaway (2nd round submission via strikes). He also trains with a good camp (Jackson’s Submission Fighting).

Strengths– Great takedowns and submission skills. He’s a ground and pound nightmare. In addition, he’s a constant flurry of activity (has great cardio).

Weaknesses– His stand up still looks to be below average (though improving). Further, in his recent decision victory over John Alessio, he seemed unwilling to stand for any length of time with his opponent. In other words, he’s quite predictable. Diego goes for takedown upon takedown, and other fighters know it.

His next fight against Karo Parisyan should be a barn burner. If he does win– which isn’t going to be easy– then expect one more fight before a title shot. Of course, getting a shot at current welterweight champion Matt Hughes is oftentimes nothing to get too excited about.