Swimming with the sharks, UFC 109 winner Rob Emerson ready for busy 2010

Many young fighters with good camps and solid management teams often are forced to make a tough decision: Sign with a major organization such as the UFC and risk a quick release, or stay on the regional fight circuit to get that crucial experience.

Rob Emerson found himself in such a situation in 2007, but after appearing on “The Ultimate Fighter 5” and earning a UFC contract, he was thrown into the deep end.

Now, with a 3-2 record in the octagon and a recent UFC 109 victory over Phillipe Nover, Emerson is happy – and comfortable – to be swimming with the sharks.


Many young fighters with good camps and solid management teams often are forced to make a tough decision: Sign with a major organization such as the UFC and risk a quick release, or stay on the regional fight circuit to get that crucial experience.

Rob Emerson found himself in such a situation in 2007, but after appearing on “The Ultimate Fighter 5” and earning a UFC contract, he was thrown into the deep end.

Now, with a 3-2 record in the octagon and a recent UFC 109 victory over Phillipe Nover, Emerson is happy – and comfortable – to be swimming with the sharks.