Tag: evandunham

After Year Off, Steve Lopez Gets Second Chance at UFC 119

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse ExclusiveThousands of fighters grind their way through regional promotions with the hope of one day getting a call from the UFC. For most, that call never comes.

For Steve Lopez, of South Bend, Ind., the call came a year ag…

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Thousands of fighters grind their way through regional promotions with the hope of one day getting a call from the UFC. For most, that call never comes.

For Steve Lopez, of South Bend, Ind., the call came a year ago to take a short-notice fight against Jim Miller at UFC 103. And it can be reasonably assumed that the daydream of winning his debut and starting the UFC ladder-climb went through his head.

He certainly couldn’t have expected the outcome of his fight against Miller. Throwing an ordinary, everyday jab, Lopez dislocated his left shoulder. His verbal submission came instantly, as did the groans from the fans in Dallas when they saw the obvious separation on the replays.

After Two Opponent Switches, Efrain Escudero to Continue His Progression

Filed under: UFCIt’s been a game of musical chairs for Efrain Escudero. It seems like every time he sits down, he has a new opponent.

Escudero, the Season 8 lightweight winner of “The Ultimate Fighter,” will face Charles Oliveira on Wednesday at UFC …

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It’s been a game of musical chairs for Efrain Escudero. It seems like every time he sits down, he has a new opponent.

Escudero, the Season 8 lightweight winner of “The Ultimate Fighter,” will face Charles Oliveira on Wednesday at UFC Fight Night 22. But only after having two other planned matchups for him on the card change.

Escudero was slated for a bout with John Gunderson on Wednesday’s card in Austin, Texas, which precedes the Season 12 premiere of “The Ultimate Fighter” on Spike TV. When co-main event fighter Mac Danzig had to pull out of his rematch with Matt Wiman, Escudero moved into Danzig’s spot. And then Wiman got hurt and dropped off the card.

Enter Oliveira less than a month before the fight. But Escudero said Thursday on a media call for the event that the opponent changes didn’t bother him.

“You know, I really didn’t pay much attention to it,” Escudero said. “It was a month out, so I had enough time. … We’re worried about what we’re bringing to the table. We’re not worried on what they’re going to bring to the table. We’re making them fight our fight, and we’re going to go out there and do our job. Being in top shape and being ready to fight anybody they throw at us, that’s our main priority and our main goal.”