Author: By E. Spencer Kyte

As far as UFC debuts go, Joe Soto might have the most unique story out there.Fresh off an early August win on the regional circuit that pushed his winning streak to six, the 28-year-old California native inked a contract to share the cage with fellow newcomer Anthony Birchak at UFC 177 at the end of the month. After years of effort trying to make his way to the sport’s biggest stage, the three-week turnaround was an opportunity to finally step into the UFC Octagon and a chance to cross a long-term career goal off the old bucket list for Soto.“I just didn’t want to die and h … Read the Full Article Here

Mirsad Bektic enjoys setting the table for American Top Team on fight night.Last April, the emerging featherweight stepped into the cage for his UFC debut opposite another hyped prospect, Chas Skelly, as the second fight on the night. He would be followed to the cage by five of his teammates and the driven young newcomer was determined to start the night off right for the members of the elite Cococut Creek, Florida institution.“My UFC debut, I fought on the same card as Thiago Alves, Jorge Masvidal and Yoel Romero,” the unbeaten 23-year-old begins. “We had five guys fightin … Read the Full Article Here

Tom Breese’s original plan was to travel from his native Birmingham, England to Montreal, Quebec, where he’d spend a couple weeks test-driving the fit at Tristar Gym, the elite fight camp tucked away on Ferrier Street.That was two years ago and he hasn’t really left since.“Originally I came out for a few weeks to try Tristar for my own training, and the first week I was here, Georges St-Pierre was in camp for Nick Diaz,” the unbeaten UFC newcomer explains. “I got some sparring in with him and he wanted me to stay for the rest of his camp. From there, I&rsquo … Read the Full Article Here

For the vast majority of fighters, the pursuit of championship gold is what drives them. Sure, there are numerous other internal motivators and secondary goals attached to their efforts, but at the end of the day, the desire to win a UFC title and be recognized as the best in their respective divisions is what gets them out of bed and into the gym each morning, afternoon and evening.Every fight, every win is another step towards reaching that universally shared goal of competing for, and potentially claiming, that championship strap. Each performance on the road towards title contention is an … Read the Full Article Here

It’s very easy to forget that Jake Matthews is not yet 21 years old. Despite being just two fights into his UFC career – and only nine bouts deep as a pro – the lightweight prospect approaches the sport with a veteran’s mindset and understanding, a outlook he attributes to his father and coach, Mick.After consecutive submission finishes in his first two Octagon appearances, the former TUF Nations contestant has quickly established himself as one of the best young talents in the UFC, boasting an outstanding ground game, developing striking and plus athleticism, to borr … Read the Full Article Here

The frustration Kyle Noke has experienced over the last few years is evident in his voice as we discuss his return to the Octagon.It’s not that he’s combative or uncooperative – he’s articulate and thoughtful with his answers, as always – it’s just that everything is a little sharper; like he’s gritting his teeth as he counts down the day until he can finally cross the threshold into the UFC cage again.He hasn’t fought since last year’s TUF: Nations Finale in Quebec City against Patrick Cote, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss an … Read the Full Article Here