Author: By E. Spencer Kyte

Whether you’re still reeling from the awesomeness of UFC 207 or remain a little under the weather from ringing in the New Year a little too hard, there is no time for rest when it comes to queuing up all the top bouts on tap for the opening month of 2017.While the UFC is easing into another year with a tidy one-two punch of events in January, it’s a chance to get an early read on a couple surging contenders, see more from a few top prospects and watch a handful of battle-hardened veterans begin what should be busy campaigns in the Octagon.Here is a look at the top fights headed y … Read the Full Article Here

There is no easy formula to follow when it comes to a fighter reaching his or her full potential inside the Octagon.Some are preternaturally gifted and take to the sport like a duck takes to water, their ability to do incredible things inside the cage seemingly ingrained in the fibers of their being, allowing them to make something exceptionally difficult look rudimentary. Some are obvious “heart and hustle” creatures – competitors who make the absolute most of their skills and climb to the greatest heights imaginable because they’re willing to push themselves just a … Read the Full Article Here

Over the last couple of years, Dominick Cruz has developed into the most deft and cerebral battle rapper on the UFC roster. Put him in a tandem interview with a challenger that has spoken ill of him and the 31-year-old standout is quick to attack.Like any truly great MC, Cruz doesn’t come with written verses – pre-fab lines he’s ready to deliver, worked out with a pen and a pad with a cadence in mind – opting instead to take in what his adversaries say and returning fire, riding the instrumental in his head and dropping gems that leaves foes without a reply.RELATED CONT … Read the Full Article Here

The first year of this series comes to a close in Las Vegas with UFC 207 – a packed fight card that wraps up arguably the most significant year in the history of the organization and sets the stage for what is sure to be an eventful 2017.While the names atop the fight card jump off the marquee and the bouts carry significant weight, Friday’s event at T-Mobile Arena also comes complete with a few up and coming fighters to keep an eye on heading into the New Year. And not to pat myself on the back, but it’s time to go full-on Barry Horowitz because over the course of the last n … Read the Full Article Here

Uhrichsville, Ohio is roughly 2,200 miles away from Las Vegas, Nevada, depending on how you choose to traverse Middle America. Stationed in Tuscarawas County, calling it a city feels like a stretch, as 2010 census data pegs the population a couple hundred people shy of 6,000 residents.Cody Garbrandt moved to Sacramento to chase his championship dreams in the UFC a few years back, but although he doesn’t live there any more, the mill town that helped shape him is never far from his thoughts.“It’s something I think about every day and it keeps me humble, grounded and thankful … Read the Full Article Here

Because a lot of people feel like Paige VanZant was foisted upon them – declared the one to watch and the “next big thing” in the strawweight division – almost instantaneously following her first UFC victory, the narratives that have surrounded the 22-year-old fighter as she’s prepared to hit the cage have frequently carried a great doubtful tone.While young talents are frequently put in a position to prove themselves against more established veterans, the questions directed at VanZant have rarely been about the caliber of opponent she’s about to face. Ins … Read the Full Article Here