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The Next Chapter Could Be Best of Nate Marquardt’s Career

Few things come easily in the sport of mixed martial arts. In a realm where success is based on a fighter’s ability to impose their skill set on the opposition, the process alone is grueling. The cage door closes. The four-ounce leather gloves fly. One…

But in some cases, as strange as it may seem, fighting is the easy part.

The majority of fighters’ careers are affected by their ability to find victory; but for some, what happens inside the cage is overshadowed by actions taken outside the spotlight. Due to scandal or suspension, they become a lightning rod for the topic at hand.

Where they’ve spent years perfecting their ability to avoid punishment in order to dish it out, this situation leaves them dazed and against the cage. They realize there is no way to stop what is coming at them, and the only option is to brace themselves, cover up and weather the storm.

It is a process Nate Marquardt knows all too well. That being said, his time of taking shots with his back to the wall have come to an end, and Marquardt is firing back strong.

After his release from the UFC and the 16-month layoff which accompanied it, the 33-year-old returned to action against Tyron Woodley to compete for the Strikeforce welterweight title left vacant when Nick Diaz joined the UFC.

In addition to his return to the cage, it was also his long-awaited debut at 170 pounds. While it was assumed all of the tools which made Marquardt a perennial contender at middleweight would transition with him into the lower weight class, there were no guarantees.

Questions about the layoff and weight cut lingered, but after a slow start in the first round against the former Missouri University wrestling standout, Marquardt provided a definitive answer.

In one of 2012’s most brutal knockouts, Marquardt put on a clinic of power, accuracy and video game-esque violence as he left the previously unbeaten Woodley bloody and slumped over on the canvas. It was a moment of redemption for the Colorado resident, but in the same turn, a thunderous statement to the rest of elite welterweights in the world—all who currently fight under the UFC banner.

Before Marquardt can make his return to the Octagon, he still has a solid test standing in his path. This Saturday night, the former Pancrase champion will square off with Tarec Saffiedine in Strikeforce’s final event from Oklahoma City. Should Marquardt emerge victorious with another stunning performance, his return to the UFC could very well come with a bypass to the top of the ladder.

A Defining Chapter Remains Unwritten

During his previous four-year run with the UFC, Marquardt was widely regarded as one of the world’s best at 185 pounds. Over this stretch he collected nine wins, and his success provided him the opportunity to compete for the middleweight title against Anderson Silva. By all means, it is a fight I’m sure Marquardt would like to forget, but after suffering a first-round knockout at the hands of “The Spider,” he began working his way back to contention.

Marquardt went on to win five of his last seven fights inside the Octagon. But with his two setbacks coming in title-eliminator bouts against Chael Sonnen and Yushin Okami, it appeared unlikely he would ever get over the hump at 185 pounds.

He eventually took one final bout at middleweight against Dan Miller, and after defeating the New Jersey native, Marquardt announced he would be dropping into welterweight waters.

The fiasco in Pittsburgh may have delayed Marquardt‘s first 170-pound showing inside the Octagon, but it is only a matter of time before Nate “The Great” becomes a staple on the welterweight scene in the UFC.

Alongside the lightweight roster, the welterweight division is the organization’s deepest and most competitive.

In addition to dominant champion and pound-for-pound great Georges St-Pierre, the division’s top 10 is a “Murderers Row” of talent. Marquardt will be entering a dog-eat-dog race to the top with the likes of Johny Hendricks, Nick Diaz, Jake Ellenberger, Jon Fitch and Rory MacDonald, who are more than happy to welcome him to the mix.

The biggest question lingering now will be if Marquardt can make good where he previously failed at middleweight.

On paper you have to put him in the upper tier in the UFC welterweight division, but what will happen when Marquardt finds himself in position to get another crack at UFC gold?

There is no doubt in my mind he is one of the most talented fighters on the planet, but carving his way through the ultra-competitive 170-pound scene is going to be no easy task. If Marquardt has what it takes to reach the top of the heap and battle longtime friend GSP for the title he can write the definitive chapter of his career.

The main reason being: The weight class he rose to the top of previously had nowhere near the depth of the situation he is about to enter.

Should Marquardt face and defeat a collection of world-class talent in the UFC, it will make a lasting impression. Of course it is impossible to tell if future success will overshadow the setbacks of the past, but a successful run in his return to the UFC would undoubtedly bolster his stock in the bigger picture.

Hypothetical scenarios aside, I truly believe Marquardt has all the tools necessary to make his success match his potential. Much like the road which brought him to where he currently stands, the path ahead will come with a tremendous amount of opposition. The biggest difference now is that it only comes down to fighting, and some times, fighting is the easy part.

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Vitor Belfort: A Warrior Reborn

Throughout a legendary career filled with triumph, defeat, validation and hardship, Vitor Belfort is still standing tall.Over his 17 years competing on the biggest stages across the sport of mixed martial arts, “The Phenom” has developed a passionate f…

Throughout a legendary career filled with triumph, defeat, validation and hardship, Vitor Belfort is still standing tall.

Over his 17 years competing on the biggest stages across the sport of mixed martial arts, “The Phenom” has developed a passionate fanbase and a reputation for being one of the most dangerous fighters to ever step into the cage.

Working behind a unique mixture of speed, power and ferocity, the 35-year-old’s drive has navigated him across multiple eras as he’s faced a collection of the best fighters to ever compete.

Next Saturday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Belfort will look to further his legacy when he squares off with Michael Bisping in the main event at UFC on FX 7. This middleweight tilt may not carry the weight of some of his past bouts, but make no mistake about it, Belfort is looking at his showdown with “The Count” as if everything is on the line.

That being said, when the Octagon door closes and the time to handle business comes to call, the rejuvenated warrior spirit of Belfort will bring the fight to Bisping‘s front door.

“I’m really focused to fight and it’s more like an outside vision,” Belfort told Bleacher Report. “I’m like a Navy SEAL going to war. I’m not focused on the politics, just give me the mission and let me accomplish it.

“When a mission is given to a Navy SEAL, they say turn your back and let me do what I’m here to do. Now this fight is my mission. I don’t care about the politics or anything else. I’m focused on accomplishing the mission. I’m very focused right now.

“I’m ready, man. I’m more ready than ever. Better than ever. Fresher than ever. Happier than ever. I’m ready.”

The bout between Belfort and Bisping will feature two fighters on different trajectories. The former TUF winner has won five or his last six showings, and has positioned himself at the doorstep of a potential title shot.

UFC President Dana White recently stated the brash Brit would earn the next opportunity to face champion Anderson Silva should he find success against Belfort in Sao Paulo.

While the former light heavyweight champion may not be in reach of a rematch with “The Spider,” Belfort is still very much positioned at the top of the game.

In his last outing against Jon Jones at UFC 152, Belfort nearly shocked the world by grabbing, and nearly locking up an armbar in the first round against the young superstar. “Bones” would eventually break free and go on to win with a submission of his own in the fourth round.

The fight with Jones showed a portion of his game which many of have overlooked. Due in large part to his one-punch knockout ability, Belfort‘s ground game is overshadowed, and he sees a tactical edge in the fact his submission skills are not something his opponents are worried about.

“That gives me an advantage,” Belfort said. “I have a lot of things people don’t see. There are a lot of things I’ve accomplished. I’m the type of guy where I go to the gym to work hard. Fighters are made in the gym and we achieve things through sacrifice.

“That is how things are in life. If you want something, you have to work hard at it. God gave you the talent and the gifts, but you have to work hard if you want to use them.

“That’s how I approach everything I do. If I want to be a good dad, I need to work hard to be a good dad. If I want to be a good husband, I need to work hard to be a good husband. But you are never going to be anything if you don’t work hard.

“In this fight I have to go out there and do what I do. That’s it. There isn’t much to think about, only to act. I have to go out there, do what I do, and fight my game. It’s not about him. It’s about me.

“That is how we should think when we step into competition. When Michael Jordan stepped into competition, it wasn’t about what the other team was going to do; it is about what he was going to do.”

Throughout his career, Belfort has competed in multiple weight classes. He has found success in every division, but the past two years, the Rio de Janeiro native has made a home fighting at 185 pounds. In order to make what was historically a difficult cut much easier, Belfort sought the guidance of Mike Dolce.

Where many consider the former TUF competitor to be a nutrition guru, Dolce is more comfortable with the title of “longevity advocate,” as his methods reach much further than dietary assistance. Belfort credits Dolce, and his Blackzilians team, for making his rejuvenation possible.

“Mike is a great friend of mine and a guy with a lot of knowledge,” Belfort said. “He is not here full-time, but I know how he works and the meals we need to work into the plan. He knows I’m very dedicated and we are working hard together.

“We have a very good relationship and he’s been a big help for this fight. I tip my hat to Mike. He works very hard and he’s very passionate about it.

“I’m very happy to have Mike and the other guys on my team like Henri Hooft and my other coaches working with me. They are all great guys. Along the way, we have trained together and developed friendships. I’m a very happy guy.”

Next Saturday night, when Belfort steps in against Bisping, it will be yet another high-profile fight to add to his legendary resume. He will be competing against a surging contender who is considered to be one of the world’s best at 185 pounds.

While it is impressive for a 17-year veteran to still be performing at such a high level, the accomplishment becomes amplified when a look at his resume reveals a majority of the fighters he’s faced in the past, have long since vanished from the sport. This isn’t a reality lost upon him, and Belfort is proud of the journey traveled.

“Oh man, it’s amazing,” Belfort said. “I was just thinking the other day that I have been fighting for so long, for so many years, and it’s gratifying not only being able to fight, but to perform with the best. The sport is so hard on your body but I feel young.

“Randy Couture became a champion at 34 years old. I became a champion at 19 years old. I’ve worked so hard, but I’m still young and I thank God every day. I’m very thankful to God.

“When people talk about my name, I just want to be remembered as a guy who always gave his best. No matter what I’m doing, I want to give my best. That’s how I want to be remembered.”

Duane Finley is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained first hand unless noted otherwise.

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Daniel Cormier Comes Full Circle in Strikeforce Finale

There are few fighters with more buzz surrounding them at the moment than Daniel Cormier.The Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix winner’s impending arrival into the UFC fold has created a stir throughout the MMA community, as speculation over potential …

There are few fighters with more buzz surrounding them at the moment than Daniel Cormier.

The Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix winner’s impending arrival into the UFC fold has created a stir throughout the MMA community, as speculation over potential opponents or a possible drop in weight class continue to swirl. The increased attention and excitement for the next chapter of his career are certainly flattering to Cormier, but the former Olympic wrestler’s focus is locked on the here and now as he prepares to face Dion Staring this Saturday night in Oklahoma City.

While critics and fans alike are looking ahead to his eventual Octagon debut, Cormier‘s sights are set on finishing the last piece of business he’ll conduct inside the Strikeforce cage. The fight will mark the AKA-trained fighter’s curtain call in an organization which allowed him to establish himself as a mixed martial artist.

In a strange but fitting way, the fight will provide the 33-year-old an opportunity to bring his time in the Hexagon full circle. The former Oklahoma State wrestling standout made his professional debut under the Strikeforce banner in Tulsa, Okla. back in 2009, and Saturday night’s tilt with Staring has Cormier looking to close out his time with the promotion in impressive fashion.

“It’s crazy,” Cormier told Bleacher Report. “Not many people get to come full circle and I am one of the people who are lucky enough to get to do that. I would have never thought things would have gone as they have so far. Walking into an arena in Tulsa back in September of 2009, me and Gary Frazier, two guys who were both 0-0, went in there and swung for the fences. It looked like a street fight and it was crazy. For me to go back to Oklahoma, finish my time in Strikeforce and be at the point of my career that I’m at; I can’t really explain how that feels.”

Coming up through Strikeforce’s Challengers series, Cormier quickly picked up the prospect label as his first five showings all resulted in victory. They were impressive performances for the Louisiana-native, and when the promotion put together the Heavyweight Grand Prix, Cormier was slotted as a tournament reserve.

After champion Alistair Overeem parted ways with the organization and transitioned into the UFC, Cormier stepped in to fill his position. In the Grand Prix semifinals, “D.C.” made a thundering statement by battering Antonio Silva and scoring a first-round knockout.

The victory over “Bigfoot” put Cormier on the heavyweight radar, but his one-sided drubbing of Josh Barnett in the finals launched Cormier into the conversation of world’s best.

Leading up to their showdown in the finals, the two heavyweights threw down in a now-infamous “dance-off” which took place at the Fight Magazine party in Columbus, Ohio. It was an intense battle with the crowd on hand giving Cormier the victory.

Whether or not suffering defeat on the dance floor had anything to do with what transpired in the cage remains to be seen.

“I think [Barnett] was like, ‘oh my goodness, this guy can fight and he can dance? What am I going to do?” Cormier joked. “Josh had some pretty good moves, though. For a big ‘ole dude like he is, he has some pretty good moves. I was trying to win at every turn. I was trying to win in the dance-off, the media, the weigh-ins, the press conference; I was trying to win every single step.”

Scoring the victory over Barnett only increased the momentum for Cormier‘s already-fast-tracked career. Prior to the finals, Strikeforce eliminated their heavyweight division and the fighters on the roster merged into the UFC. With the tournament complete, it appeared as if Cormier would join his colleagues, but it was determined both finalists would have to complete one more bout on their contracts before they could leave the organization.

While Cormier sat on the sidelines and watched proposed bouts come and go, he was excited to see the Strikeforce heavyweights finding success inside the Octagon.

“It was great to see those guys do well, because I always knew what we had over in Strikeforce was some of the best heavyweights in the world,” Cormier said. “Those guys going over there and doing what they did pretty much validated that. Guys like Lavar and Werdum are doing great. I’m excited to watch them as I move forward and actually compete with or alongside them as I move into the UFC.”

“It’s about being professional,” Cormier added, in regards to handling the frustration. “You just have to be as professional as you can. You have to work hard and no matter who I fight or when I fight, I just have to be prepared. I learned a lot about that from my wrestling career. We never knew who we were wrestling but we were always prepared to face anyone. That is exactly the approach I take in mixed martial arts.”

The road to making his final bout in Strikeforce certainly came with a fair share of ups and downs, but on Saturday night, the fight with Staring will finally arrive. While Cormier is a heavy favorite, he refuses to overlook a game opponent.

Where no other fighters were stepping up to accept the bout, the Dutch-born Staring happily accepted. That being said, Cormier is also fully aware everything is on the line and his next step greatly depends on his success in Oklahoma City.

“It’s a tough fight,” Cormier said. “He’s a guy that is a good stand-up fighter. Also, if you watch his fights in Europe, he has taken a lot of guys down. He’s no slouch in the wrestling department. It’s a tough fight, and I think it is going to be a good fight as well.”

“You have to prepare for all of your fights the same way, because you never know who you are going to be fighting. Especially with all the injuries we’ve had in our sport this year. I understand what I have to lose. I’m very aware of it. No one is trying to hide it from me. A lot of times, people in a fighter’s camp will try to keep everything sunny. But the people around me have been very clear in letting me know that all my dreams and all my aspirations go out the window if I can’t get the job done on Saturday night.”

“I’m going forward, setting a really high pace, and scoring some nice takedowns. I’m going to be mixing it up in the stand up and looking for the finish. Every second of this fight I’m going to be looking to finish. Fans can look forward to a high pace with a lot of action that hopefully ends in some sort of finish.”

In the realm of preparation, the gym Cormier calls home is one of the most revered in the sport of mixed martial arts. The team at AKA is a tight-knit group made up of some of the world’s best fighters and coaches. Where some gyms operate with an individual based mindset, at AKA the fighters are a family. They share in one another’s successes and failures, but as of late, there hasn’t been much to be down about as team staples Jon Fitch and Cain Velasquez each picked up career-turning victories.

“It was awesome to see them both win those big fights,” Cormier said. “The craziest thing about watching your teammates and people you care about fight is you go back into the gym and you train harder than you may be prepared to train. When Fitch fought I was just starting my training camp and wasn’t in the best shape. But after watching Fitch bust out that crazy pace on that guy, I went in there and trained like I was in the last week of fight camp. I got exhausted and had to take a day off.”

There is no doubt Cormier‘s intensity is focused on the upcoming bout with Staring. With that being said, his awareness of what is at stake tells you this is man who fully understands how big the next step of his career can be.

He hears all the talk and realizes there will be multiple paths for him to travel should he so choose. But where other fighters talk about making it to the UFC and having the driving force which pushes them onward, Cormier finds his inspiration in a place closer to the heart.

“I don’t need those things to get motivated,” Cormier said. “I have enough to motivate myself. I don’t have to use pressure or expectation from other people to motivate me. If that is the only thing that motivates you then you are in trouble, man.”

“Your motivation should come from your family and the other things in your life. Obviously the expectations are great, and I love it, but I don’t need that to drive me. I get motivated knowing if I continue to win I can provide for my kids. I can provide for my family and everything keeps getting bigger. I get exactly what I want: bigger fights, bigger named opponents and to fight on the biggest stage there is.”

“What matters the most to me is just making sure I am giving myself the best chance to win every fight I go into. Making sure that every time I step into the cage, I fight with all my heart and give the fans what they come to see. I want to put on exciting fights and let the fans know the best Daniel Cormier is getting in there. They won’t see me out of shape and unprepared.

“I just want to make sure that when people pay their money to watch me fight in the cage or see me live that they are getting everything they expected and more.”

Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.

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Strikeforce Finale Still a High-Stakes Event

This Saturday night in Oklahoma City, the books will officially close on Strikeforce. For the past six years the San Jose-based promotion has been one of MMA’s top organizations. But after experiencing numerous obstacles, diminished rosters and cancell…

This Saturday night in Oklahoma City, the books will officially close on Strikeforce. For the past six years the San Jose-based promotion has been one of MMA‘s top organizations. But after experiencing numerous obstacles, diminished rosters and cancelled events, the once promising path has finally come to an end.

The writing of Strikeforce’s demise has been on the wall for some time, and the final event will mark the end to a great run that founder Scott Coker and Co. can be proud of. In order to make sure it goes out in style, the promotion has stacked its final show with everything it has left.

The event will be the final showcase before the roster is merged in the UFC, and for several of Strikeforce’s higher profile fighters, their performances on Saturday night could heavily influence which direction their transition into the UFC will go.

All Eyes on D.C.

There is a lot speculation regarding the matchups fans are going to see when the crossover is official, and there are few names hotter right now than Daniel Cormier. The former Olympic wrestler locked himself firmly into the conversation of the world’s best heavyweights on the strength of his performances in route to winning the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix.

Originally signed on as an alternate, the AKA-trained fighter stepped in for champion Alistair Overeem to face Antonio Silva in the tournament semifinals. In the matchup with “Bigfoot,” Cormier needed less than a round to make a booming statement as he battered the Brazilian at every turn and scored a first-round knockout in the process.

The victory positioned him to square off with former UFC champion Josh Barnett in the finals. Despite “The Warmaster” being one of the sport’s most feared submission artists, Cormier attacked from bell to bell and scored a lopsided decision victory over the veteran.

Winning the Grand Prix certainly raised his profile, but it also managed to slow his career down in the process. While Zuffa had transitioned Strikeforce’s heavyweight division into the UFC, both Cormier and Barnett were left with one fight to fulfill on their contracts. The process of making that final bout a reality has been frustrating for the Louisiana-native as the 33-year-old has watched a collection of opponents, both rumored and factual, fall to the wayside.

Eventually Cormier locked up a fight with Frank Mir, but an injury to the former two-time UFC champion forced him to withdraw from the bout. After losing the main event on the card in addition to other high-profile bouts, Strikeforce and cable host Showtime, decided to cancel the event entirely.

The former Oklahoma State wrestling standout voiced his frustration regarding how the situation was handled, and with the Strikeforce’s curtain call less than a week away, the road ahead could finally clear up for Cormier. That being said, he still has one final challenge waiting for him inside the Hexagon in Dion Staring.

With the expectation building for Cormier‘s UFC debut, he can ill-afford a misstep against Staring. The Dutch fighter brings a solid amount of experience with him into the cage, and while his stateside debut will be made as a heavy underdog, the bout presents a tremendous amount of upside. The same can be said on Cormier‘s side of the table. Despite his name recognition far out-weighing that of his opponent, Cormier knows how much is riding on his performance in Oklahoma City.

There are going to be a lot of options for Cormier when the next chapter of his career begins. Whether it is a run at the UFC heavyweight title or a drop down to light heavyweight to chase down Jon Jones’ crown, an impressive showing this Saturday will keep the momentum building for his arrival in the UFC.

If You Don’t Know Mousasi, Now Would Be a Great Time to Start

When it comes to talk of potential Strikeforce versus UFC matchups, I will be the first to admit my excitement for Gegard Mousasi‘s entry into the UFC fold. The Dutch fighter became one of the highest touted prospects in mixed martial arts by wrecking shop in Japanese-based promotions. But after making his transition over to Strikeforce, the 27-year-old has experienced varying results.

Mousasi looked impressive in his promotional debut as he claimed the light heavyweight title by punishing Renato “Babalu” Sobral. He would make a successful defense of his crown against Thierry Sokoudjou, only to drop the belt in his next outing against Muhammed Lawal. In the fight with “King Mo,” Mousasi‘s typical nonchalant demeanor translated as a lack of urgency as Lawal used his superior wrestling skills to keep the fight in his favor. The result was a lopsided tilt that served to expose a gaping hole in Mousasi‘s game and silence the buzz the former Dream champion was building.

With renewed focus, Mousasi bounced back and has claimed victory in four of his last five outings. The only setback during this current stretch came by way of a majority draw against UFC veteran Keith Jardine, in a fight where he was deducted a point for an illegal upkick. Aside from his tussle with “The Dean of Mean,” Mousasi has been lights out since his loss to Lawal.

He will be looking to keep things rolling this weekend against Mike Kyle. The AKA-trained fighter possesses put-away power in both hands as 12 of his 19 victories have come by way of knockout. Kyle certainly has the ability to put anyone he faces to sleep, but Mousasi‘s striking style will present problems for the UFC veteran. Where Kyle throws heavy shots, Mousasi has a unique understanding of spacial difference. This allows him to close distance at will. With power in both his hands and feet, Mousasi‘s stand-up game is one of the most diverse in MMA.

The biggest question surrounding Mousasi and his transition into the UFC will come in motivation. In past interviews he has described half-hearted training camps and going into fights on the strength of talent not giving much care for preparation. If Mousasi has truly put his career as a mixed martial artist front and center, the sky is the limit. When you include his ability to compete in various weight classes, Mousasi could make quite an impact under the UFC banner.

The Wild Cards

While Cormier and Nate Marquardt will draw the lion’s share of the attention heading into this weekend’s card, there are several other fighters who can make statements of their own when the cage door closes.

In an early preview of things to come, former Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo Souza will mix it up with former TUF competitor Ed Herman. “Short Fuse” has experienced a resurgence as of late, winning three of his last four outings. Besting an opponent of Souza‘s caliber would raise his stock to new heights, and agreeing to cross over into Strikeforce waters to take the fight shows it’s a challenge he’s more than up for.

The fight carries upside for Souza as well. By all indicators, “Jacare” has been a monster since entering Strikeforce, winning six of his seven outings. His only setback came against Luke Rockhold, as the AKA-trained fighter claimed a unanimous decision victory and took hold of the championship. Following the loss to Rockhold, Souza came surging back strong as he submitted recent TUF cast member Bristol Marunde in the third round of their contest in Columbus. He complemented that impressive performance by scoring a brutal first-round knockout over Derek Brunson in his next showing.

A victory over a scrappy opponent like Herman will set the tone for the next chapter of his career, where a loss could potentially drop him into the lower end of the divisional picture.

Another middleweight looking to shake things up in the UFC will be Tim Kennedy. The Army Ranger turned mixed martial artist has been one of the top 185-pound competitors under the Strikeforce banner for years. Even with this being the case, Kennedy has flown somewhat under the radar in the bigger middleweight picture.

None of this matters to the 33-year-old war veteran. It is a simple love for the fight which pushes him forward and he’ll be looking to bring the ruckus when he throws down with Trevor Smith in OKC. With the difference in name recognition between the two competitors, Kennedy will most likely need an impressive win to draw one of the bigger names in his UFC debut. Again, these are matters Kennedy has no concern for and his hard-nosed style has the potential to present problems for anyone he faces.

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Rising Tide: Chris Camozzi Making Every Moment Count Inside the Octagon

Every fighter dreams of competing on the sport’s biggest stage. The roar of the crowd and the thrill of battle inside the Octagon help a competitor feel the validation of having finally arrived.It has a unique way of making all the sacrifices along the…

Every fighter dreams of competing on the sport’s biggest stage. The roar of the crowd and the thrill of battle inside the Octagon help a competitor feel the validation of having finally arrived.

It has a unique way of making all the sacrifices along the journey worthwhile, but what happens when that dream is realized, only to be lost and then found again?

For UFC middleweight Chris Camozzi, the experience isn’t one he’ll soon forget.

After setbacks and a release from the UFC, the 26-year-old has stormed back into the most prominent organization in mixed martial arts and is making statements every step of the way.

Camozzi is firing on all cylinders, as he’s collected three consecutive victories with his most recent coming at the expense of former light heavyweight prospect Luiz Cane at UFC 153.

The win has things looking up for the California native, but the hardships he has overcome provide all the motivation needed to push forward.

“After being released, I was pretty down on myself,” Camozzi told Bleacher Report. “Even though I’m young, I thought I missed my opportunity. But after talking with my manager Jason Genet and my management company Ingrained Media, they got me going again.

“My manager and my coaches assured me I was young enough to fight my way back. It gave me time to get better. It’s really hard to learn inside the Octagon.

“Most guys have to get their experience outside and they come in ready to go and ready to fight anybody. I took it as a learning experience and it only ended up being one fight outside the UFC against Joey Villasenor. In that fight, alone I learned a ton. It also helped me gain some confidence back after my loss to (Kyle) Noke.

“Making it into the UFC was always the goal. Back when I started it was either the UFC or Pride. Those are the places everyone was trying to get and I’m included on the list of those people. Fortunately I made it to the UFC. I’m here now and I’m getting to live my dream.”

Camozzi made his initial introduction to the UFC fanbase when he was selected to compete on the 11th season of The Ultimate Fighter. He had an impressive showing in his preliminary round matchup with Victor O’Donnell, but the back-and-forth battle came with consequences. Despite earning the victory and showcasing his hard-nosed style, Camozzi suffered a broken jaw which forced him out of the tournament.

“Looking back, there is more I could have done,” Camozzi replied when asked about his TUF experience. “I could have fought better and not gotten my jaw broken. My hands were down quite a bit. I went in there with the mentality where I wanted to be one of those guys who impressed Dana. I wanted to have the best fight there.

“The main goal is not just to win the show, but to impress the UFC, Dana White, and Joe Silva in the process. If you won the entire show just by laying and praying on guys, you are not going to impress anyone. I wanted to go in there with a bang. I feel like I did that, but in turn, I fought sloppy and broke my jaw.

“I’m a huge fan of the sport and I know what kind of fights I like to watch. I try to go in the Octagon and mimic that. I try to go in there with a bang and put on exciting fights. I would rather be known as an exciting and fun fighter to watch, rather than be undefeated and a guy where people see my name on a card and want to fast forward through my fights.

“Chris Lytle and Wanderlei Silva are great examples of this. They may not always win, but when they are on the card, people are excited.”

Upon his return the UFC, Camozzi came up short against Francis Carmont at UFC 137. Determined to get back on track, he returned to the Octagon with guns blazing and found redemption in his 2012 campaign.

The Factory X-trained fighter was successful in all three of his showings, two of which came by way of finish. For a fighter who has experienced his fair share of setbacks, running the table in 2012 offered a sense of redemption.

“It definitely is validating for me,” Camozzi said. “I know now I can compete with anyone inside the Octagon. I’ve hit my stride and everything is coming together for me. During my initial time with the UFC after the show, I was in the process of switching gyms. Now we have a new gym, and while I’m not the owner, we built it up from nothing.

“In my first fights with the UFC, I only had two training partners. Now we have a huge gym, a full weight room, and 40 to 50 guys who I can train with. When I have a camp, I can get the work in that I need and have the coaches to help get me ready.

“Initially during my transition, I only had a stand-up coach. I wasn’t working on jiu-jitsu or wrestling. I wasn’t doing anything to make my game stronger in those areas. Things are different now and I train the right way. I travel and train with guys who give me different looks. I feel I’m getting better each time and that only makes me more confident.

“I have to keep evolving my game, getting better at wrestling, and improving in the areas I need to work on. Confidence is key and with each fight I feel more confident in there. For me as a fighter, once I get confident and comfortable, I can start showcasing a lot more things.

“I’ve got a few things that are a little bit flashier I like to do and I think people will see them come out in 2013. Hopefully, I’ll be catching people off guard.

“I was happy with winning three fights, but there is always more I can do. I know I can do better. I finished two of those fights and wish it had been three. That is something for me to work towards. I didn’t finish Luiz Cane and feel like I should have.”

As Camozzi‘s career progresses, his scrappy style is sure to help him with the growing UFC fanbase. Working behind a rangy, in-your-face attack, Camozzi has used pressure in his past fights to break the opposition down.

“While Camozzi is never opposed to a toe-to-toe throw down, he understands his success will ultimately depend on his ability to evolve as a mixed martial artist. With every aspect of his game coming together at the right time, Camozzi is excited to keep the momentum building.

“Everything is great right now, but there are always improvements to be made,” Camozzi said. “My head coach Marc Montoya is great about switching things up for me. He brings in new guys and different coaches. I’m going to continue to get better and better. I’m not in a position where I’m going to just sit here comfortable for the rest of my career. We are going to keep switching things up to make sure I never get too comfortable.

“I want to put on exciting fights. I feel I have found my killer instinct again and maybe I lost that in some of my earlier fights. I’m going for the finish every time. I’m coming forward and looking to push the pace non-stop. I want to start running over people and making my way up the ladder.

“Any time fans see my name on a card, they can expect to see excitement. I’m going out there and I’m chasing those bonuses.”

Following the interview, it was announced Camozzi will face Nick Ring at UFC 158 in March.

Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes, unless noted otherwise, are obtained first hand.

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Unfinished Business Has Urijah Faber Motivated for Bout with Menjivar

For the second time in many years, Urijah Faber failed in his attempt to capture UFC gold. Undeterred, “The California Kid” is ready to get back into the cage in 2013 and resume his quest toward claiming the sport’s ultimate prize.The Team Alpha Male l…

The Team Alpha Male leader will have the opportunity to jump-start that campaign when he faces Ivan Menjivar at UFC 157 on Feb. 23 in Anaheim.

It is a fight the 33-year-old California native can not afford to lose. If his dream of becoming a UFC champion is ever to be realized, Faber has to make every step count.

The former WEC featherweight champion turned bantamweight contender understands the pressure is on, and time may be running thin on his hopes of making another run at the divisional crown. That being said, there are few fighters more goal-driven than Faber, and his focus is locked on getting back into the win column against Menjivar.

“I’m excited for this fight,” Faber told Bleacher Report. “A lot of people might not know, but Menjivar and I have some unfinished business. Last time we fought I got a big gash on my eyebrow that stopped the fight. He threw an illegal kick right as I was coming down and hit the ground. It barely grazed me at all, but because of the eye, the fight couldn’t continue. Due to the illegal kick he threw it resulted in a disqualification.

“This is going to be a good fight. We are both veterans of the sport and have been there before. The fight takes place on a big card in Anaheim and I’m pumped.”

The past two years have come with a varying amount of success for Faber. After one of the most dominant title runs in recent memory, he has been turned back in his efforts to reclaim championship status.

It’s a unique position by all means, as the perennial contender has come out on the losing end of both of his bantamweight title opportunities, yet has steamrolled the opposition in every non-title effort.

Faber believes it will only take a few small adjustments in order to make the transition from contender to champion complete.

“The title is the goal,” Faber said. “My last fight was against Renan Barao for the interim title. I’ve watched that fight over and over again, and the biggest difference came down to about 10 kicks. The fight was about even. I also broke my rib in the first round and fought through that. My other title fight against Dominick Cruz was a fight I thought I won. I had a bunch of knockdowns against him, but it was a close fight as well.

“I feel I’m right there with the top guys. I just have to make some small adjustments to make that happen. Now I’m on the road to winning a couple of fights decisively and putting solid wins together to get back into title contention.

“This is one after another career for me. I’m all for that and staying busy. The only fights I’ve ever lost have been title fights. I’ve lost six fights in my career, but I’ve also won a lot of title fights as well. I’m facing top competition and the slightest little things matter. I need to make the necessary adjustments and get back into the title picture. Getting back there is the place I want to be.”

While the climb back to the top of the ladder will ultimately depend on his abilities inside the Octagon, Faber remains one of the most marketable fighters outside of the cage.

As an author and entrepreneur, Faber possesses one of the best business minds in the sport, and his relationship with a passionate UFC fanbase makes Faber one of MMA‘s top ambassadors.

His recent selection as the next member of Team Metro PCS only serves to bolster his position as one the most visible fighters in the sport.

“It was really cool,” Faber said about the contest. “Metro PCS has a really diverse group of users. We have a big Metro PCS following in Sacramento. It is kind of like the team they are building in the UFC. We have Cain Velasquez, Jon Jones, Frankie Edgar and myself. It was a big social media push, and the last week of the contest is really what did it for me. It was a close call between Anthony Pettis and I, but I came through in the end. It was good to see my fans interact. Metro PCS is all about giving the fans a voice and the power to choose, and they did that for this competition.

“I’ve been a guy who understands getting behind a brand. I was actually the first guy to be sponsored by Metro PCS. It was a local branch that sponsored some of my fights in Sacramento, and now it has kind of come full circle. It’s exciting to be one of the guys who helps bring their brand to a wider UFC audience. I’m on the team with a bunch of cool guys, and it makes sense. It took a lot of campaigning, but it worked out.”

In the coming weeks, the preparation for Faber’s bout with Menjivar will come to an end, and the time to once again show and prove will come front and center. Faber’s focus will be on settling the score with the fighter from El Salvador and building momentum toward his ultimate goal. That being said, there are other rivalries out there for him to settle.

A long-awaited trilogy bout with Dominick Cruz is still on his mind. But with the recent announcement of the bantamweight champion’s on-going struggle to recover from injury, Faber understands the difficulties Cruz faces and sends the champion his best wishes.

“I feel bad for the guy,” Faber said. “At the root of it, Dominick is a competitor, and he takes this seriously. You have to respect that. To see him have these injuries over and over again is really crappy. I feel for him. I wish the best for him and hope he gets better. Hopefully he has a full recovery, he can get back in there, and we can have that third scrap.”

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