UFC on FX Undercard Live Blog: Rivera vs. Schafer, Brenneman vs. Roberts, More

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Jorge Rivera faces Eric Schafer at UFC on FX.This is the UFC on FX live blog for all the preliminary bouts televised on FUEL in support of tonight’s FX card from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

The six undercard bouts are Jorge Rivera vs. Eric Schafer, Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Kamal Shalorus, Charlie Brenneman vs. Daniel Roberts, Fabricio Camoes vs. Tommy Hayden, Daniel Pineda vs. Pat Schilling and Nick Denis vs. Joseph Sandoval.

The live blog is below.




Nick Denis vs. Joseph Sandoval

Round 1: Denis throwing a series of combos early. Sandoval getting tagged. Fighting in close and Denis lands a series of elbows from a Thai clinch that put Sandoval’s lights out. A quick ending to start the night.

Winner: Nick Denis via KO, Rd. 1 (0:22)

Daniel Pineda vs. Pat Schilling

Round 1: Both fighters are making their UFC debuts. The duo exchange kicks to the lead leg to start the action. Pineda takes Schilling down from a body lock and moves right into mount. After some ground and pound, Schilling gives his back. Schilling gets to his feet with Pineda on his back, but Pineda sinks in a rear naked choke and digs in his hips, pulling Schilling backwards and down. The choke is sunk, and it’s a wrap.

Winner: Daniel Pineda via rear naked choke, Rd. 1 (1:37)

Fabricio Camoes vs. Tommy Hayden

Round 1: Hayden staggers Camoes briefly with a stiff jab. Camoes shoots in but Hayden sidesteps him and gets free. In a scramble, Hayden takes Camoes back and drags him down. Camoes hunts a kimura, but Hayden works free. Back to their feet. Camoes initiates a clinch and they end up back on the ground, Hayden on top in half-guard. Camoes tries an oma plata. Hayden works free but sweeps Hayden down. Camoes lands punches from the top. Hayden gives up his back. Camoes digs in for the rear naked choke. Hayden looked like he was tapping but the ref let the action go on. Camoes regripped it and then got the tap.

Winner: Fabricio Camoes via rear naked choke, Rd. 1 (4:03)

Charlie Brenneman vs. Daniel Roberts

Round 1: After a long stretch between fights, we’re finally back to action. Roberts drills Brenneman with a left hand but gets taken down for his troubles. Brenneman moves to side mount but only briefly as Roberts stays active on the bottom. Brenneman with short strikes from the top, and back into side mount. He traps Roberts’ left arm in a crucifix and starts laying the leather. Roberts works his arm free but Brenneman retains the position. Brenneman with some knees to the body and peppering Roberts with punches. Nothing big enough to threaten a stoppage, but enough to keep the position. Roberts gets back to his feet with 10 seconds left but Brenneman slams him down. It’s Brenneman’s round 10-9.

Round 2: Roberts comes out with a left high kick early. It doesn’t land flush. Brenneman tries a takedown, Roberts attempts a guillotine, well defended. Brenneman on top again, and works into side control, and into the crucifix again. Roberts works back to a neutral position and ties Brenneman up, leading to a standup. Brenneman wastes no time going low again. Roberts goes for a kimura, then tries to get to his opponent’s back. Then he slickly transitions to an inverted triangle. There are just seconds left and he can’t tighten it up enough for the tap before the horn. It’s still Brenneman’s round, 10-9.

Round 3: Roberts is on his back again within the opening 20 seconds. Brenneman is mostly having his way with Roberts on the ground. His strikes aren’t shaking the cage, but it’s enough to score points and keep Roberts from throwing up sub attempts. Midway through the round, ref Herb Dean stands them up. On the restart, Roberts goes for the takedown but Brenneman defends and ends up on top. It’s an effective smothering by him. Roberts hunts a kimura as time runs low. He pulls Brenneman’s arm out but can’t torque it enough to force the tap. It’s Brenneman with the shutout, 10-9.

Winner: Charlie Brenneman via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Kamal Shalorus

Round 1: Nurmagomedov is an undefeated 23-year-old who has never fought in a cage before. Nurmagomedov looks a bit uncomfortable early, circling against the fence keeping a distance. Shalorus takes the center of the cage. Out of nowhere, Nurmagomedov lands a right hand that floors Shalorus. Nurmagomedov pours it on as Shalorus tries to keep moving and out of trouble. Ref Mario Yamasaki looks them over but Shalorus is defending well enough to allow the fight to continue. Nurmagomedov’s strikes come from unorthodox angles but land. They’re back to their feet with 45 seconds left. Both men throwing haymakers but it’s Nurmagomedov landing the bigger blows. It’s his round 10-9.

Round 2: Shalorus looks a takedown, Nurmagomedov defends and instead puts him on his back against the cage. Nurmagomedov moves to half-guard with his ground and pound. The ref stands them up with three minutes left. Nurmagomedov shoots low for a takedown and puts Shalorus down again. Shalorus keeps his hips active, not allowing Nurmagomedov to land anything significant, but he can’t escape from being underneath. The ref restarts them again. Nurmagomedov lands a left uppercut as the round ends. It’s his round again, 10-9.

Round 3: Shalorus is trying to measure an overhand right to end things, probably knowing he’s down on the scorecards. Nurmagomedov went for a single leg and Shalorus countered with a guillotine that was never close. Nurmagomedov mounts with 3:00 left and sinks in a choke. Shalorus taps with a quickness.

Winner: Khabib Nurmagomedov via rear naked choke, Rd. 3 (2:08)

Jorge Rivera vs. Eric Schafer

Rivera has announced that win or lose, this will be the last fight of his decade-long career.

Round 1: Rivera tries to let his hands go early but Schafer ducks under a right hand and puts Rivera on his back. No surprise as Schafer wants to be on the ground at all times, and even more so against a big puncher. Schafer to half-guard as he throws elbows from the top. Rivera uses a whizzer to get to his feet. They’re engaged against the fence with Schafer trying to go low, and he successfully scores another takedown. Schafer with a big right from the top as Rivera tried to escape. Schafer worked to get the mount but Rivera wouldn’t allow it and ended up on top. Schafer had an oma plata and was throwing elbows from the bottom as the round ended. Schafer, 10-9.

Round 2: Schafer is tenacious in trying to get the fight to the ground. Rivera sprawls and lands a hard right hand that cuts Schafer. Rivera swarms from the top with right hands. Schafer tries to cover up but Rivera continues unloading with right hands to the head and ref Herb Dean has no choice but to stop it.

Rivera drops down and kisses the mat as the fans chant “Jorge.” A nice ending to his career. He retires with a 20-9 overall record, and 8-7 in the UFC.

Winner: Jorge Rivera via TKO, Rd. 2 (1:31)

“I’m grateful,” Rivera said afterward. “I’m grateful that I fought here in front of a lot of people. I met a lot of great people. It’s been a real nice trip. It’s been real good to me. I’m extremely grateful. Thank you.”

 

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Jorge Rivera faces Eric Schafer at UFC on FX.This is the UFC on FX live blog for all the preliminary bouts televised on FUEL in support of tonight’s FX card from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

The six undercard bouts are Jorge Rivera vs. Eric Schafer, Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Kamal Shalorus, Charlie Brenneman vs. Daniel Roberts, Fabricio Camoes vs. Tommy Hayden, Daniel Pineda vs. Pat Schilling and Nick Denis vs. Joseph Sandoval.

The live blog is below.




Nick Denis vs. Joseph Sandoval

Round 1: Denis throwing a series of combos early. Sandoval getting tagged. Fighting in close and Denis lands a series of elbows from a Thai clinch that put Sandoval’s lights out. A quick ending to start the night.

Winner: Nick Denis via KO, Rd. 1 (0:22)

Daniel Pineda vs. Pat Schilling

Round 1: Both fighters are making their UFC debuts. The duo exchange kicks to the lead leg to start the action. Pineda takes Schilling down from a body lock and moves right into mount. After some ground and pound, Schilling gives his back. Schilling gets to his feet with Pineda on his back, but Pineda sinks in a rear naked choke and digs in his hips, pulling Schilling backwards and down. The choke is sunk, and it’s a wrap.

Winner: Daniel Pineda via rear naked choke, Rd. 1 (1:37)

Fabricio Camoes vs. Tommy Hayden

Round 1: Hayden staggers Camoes briefly with a stiff jab. Camoes shoots in but Hayden sidesteps him and gets free. In a scramble, Hayden takes Camoes back and drags him down. Camoes hunts a kimura, but Hayden works free. Back to their feet. Camoes initiates a clinch and they end up back on the ground, Hayden on top in half-guard. Camoes tries an oma plata. Hayden works free but sweeps Hayden down. Camoes lands punches from the top. Hayden gives up his back. Camoes digs in for the rear naked choke. Hayden looked like he was tapping but the ref let the action go on. Camoes regripped it and then got the tap.

Winner: Fabricio Camoes via rear naked choke, Rd. 1 (4:03)

Charlie Brenneman vs. Daniel Roberts

Round 1: After a long stretch between fights, we’re finally back to action. Roberts drills Brenneman with a left hand but gets taken down for his troubles. Brenneman moves to side mount but only briefly as Roberts stays active on the bottom. Brenneman with short strikes from the top, and back into side mount. He traps Roberts’ left arm in a crucifix and starts laying the leather. Roberts works his arm free but Brenneman retains the position. Brenneman with some knees to the body and peppering Roberts with punches. Nothing big enough to threaten a stoppage, but enough to keep the position. Roberts gets back to his feet with 10 seconds left but Brenneman slams him down. It’s Brenneman’s round 10-9.

Round 2: Roberts comes out with a left high kick early. It doesn’t land flush. Brenneman tries a takedown, Roberts attempts a guillotine, well defended. Brenneman on top again, and works into side control, and into the crucifix again. Roberts works back to a neutral position and ties Brenneman up, leading to a standup. Brenneman wastes no time going low again. Roberts goes for a kimura, then tries to get to his opponent’s back. Then he slickly transitions to an inverted triangle. There are just seconds left and he can’t tighten it up enough for the tap before the horn. It’s still Brenneman’s round, 10-9.

Round 3: Roberts is on his back again within the opening 20 seconds. Brenneman is mostly having his way with Roberts on the ground. His strikes aren’t shaking the cage, but it’s enough to score points and keep Roberts from throwing up sub attempts. Midway through the round, ref Herb Dean stands them up. On the restart, Roberts goes for the takedown but Brenneman defends and ends up on top. It’s an effective smothering by him. Roberts hunts a kimura as time runs low. He pulls Brenneman’s arm out but can’t torque it enough to force the tap. It’s Brenneman with the shutout, 10-9.

Winner: Charlie Brenneman via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Kamal Shalorus

Round 1: Nurmagomedov is an undefeated 23-year-old who has never fought in a cage before. Nurmagomedov looks a bit uncomfortable early, circling against the fence keeping a distance. Shalorus takes the center of the cage. Out of nowhere, Nurmagomedov lands a right hand that floors Shalorus. Nurmagomedov pours it on as Shalorus tries to keep moving and out of trouble. Ref Mario Yamasaki looks them over but Shalorus is defending well enough to allow the fight to continue. Nurmagomedov’s strikes come from unorthodox angles but land. They’re back to their feet with 45 seconds left. Both men throwing haymakers but it’s Nurmagomedov landing the bigger blows. It’s his round 10-9.

Round 2: Shalorus looks a takedown, Nurmagomedov defends and instead puts him on his back against the cage. Nurmagomedov moves to half-guard with his ground and pound. The ref stands them up with three minutes left. Nurmagomedov shoots low for a takedown and puts Shalorus down again. Shalorus keeps his hips active, not allowing Nurmagomedov to land anything significant, but he can’t escape from being underneath. The ref restarts them again. Nurmagomedov lands a left uppercut as the round ends. It’s his round again, 10-9.

Round 3: Shalorus is trying to measure an overhand right to end things, probably knowing he’s down on the scorecards. Nurmagomedov went for a single leg and Shalorus countered with a guillotine that was never close. Nurmagomedov mounts with 3:00 left and sinks in a choke. Shalorus taps with a quickness.

Winner: Khabib Nurmagomedov via rear naked choke, Rd. 3 (2:08)

Jorge Rivera vs. Eric Schafer

Rivera has announced that win or lose, this will be the last fight of his decade-long career.

Round 1: Rivera tries to let his hands go early but Schafer ducks under a right hand and puts Rivera on his back. No surprise as Schafer wants to be on the ground at all times, and even more so against a big puncher. Schafer to half-guard as he throws elbows from the top. Rivera uses a whizzer to get to his feet. They’re engaged against the fence with Schafer trying to go low, and he successfully scores another takedown. Schafer with a big right from the top as Rivera tried to escape. Schafer worked to get the mount but Rivera wouldn’t allow it and ended up on top. Schafer had an oma plata and was throwing elbows from the bottom as the round ended. Schafer, 10-9.

Round 2: Schafer is tenacious in trying to get the fight to the ground. Rivera sprawls and lands a hard right hand that cuts Schafer. Rivera swarms from the top with right hands. Schafer tries to cover up but Rivera continues unloading with right hands to the head and ref Herb Dean has no choice but to stop it.

Rivera drops down and kisses the mat as the fans chant “Jorge.” A nice ending to his career. He retires with a 20-9 overall record, and 8-7 in the UFC.

Winner: Jorge Rivera via TKO, Rd. 2 (1:31)

“I’m grateful,” Rivera said afterward. “I’m grateful that I fought here in front of a lot of people. I met a lot of great people. It’s been a real nice trip. It’s been real good to me. I’m extremely grateful. Thank you.”

 

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Gambling Addiction Enabler: UFC on FX Edition


(I got blood on my hands and there’s no remorse, I got blood on my…well, you get the point.) 

We’ll be completely honest, folks, it has been awhile since the official CagePotato Parlay has shown us a return worth getting excited about, or any return for that matter. Bill collectors were ignored, drugs were peddled, and we even had to turn a trick or two to solve our gambling debts, but as they say, it is always darkest before the dawn. Last week, we actually managed to end up in the green, so what better opportunity to keep the ball rolling than the UFC’s debut on FX tomorrow? Check out the betting lines, courtesy of BestFightOdds, along with our advice below.

Main Card
Pat Barry (-165) vs. Christian Morecraft (+145)
Mike Easton (-340) vs. Jared Papazian (+280)
Duane Ludwig (-110) vs. Josh Neer (-110)
Jim Miller (-170) vs. Melvin Guillard (+150)

Undercard
Nick Denis (-240) vs. Joseph Sandoval (+200)
Daniel Pineda (-120) vs. Pat Schilling (EV)
Fabricio Camoes (-325) vs. Tom Hayden (+265)
Kamal Shalorus (-135) vs. Habib Nurmagomedov (+115)
Charlie Brenneman (-300) vs. Daniel Roberts (+250)
Eric Schafer (-155) vs. Jorge Rivera (+135)

Thoughts…


(I got blood on my hands and there’s no remorse, I got blood on my…well, you get the point.) 

We’ll be completely honest, folks, it has been awhile since the official CagePotato Parlay has shown us a return worth getting excited about, or any return for that matter. Bill collectors were ignored, drugs were peddled, and we even had to turn a trick or two to solve our gambling debts. But as they say, it is always darkest before the dawn. Last week, we actually managed to end up in the green, so what better opportunity to keep the ball rolling than the UFC’s debut on FX tomorrow? Check out the betting lines, courtesy of BestFightOdds, along with our advice below.

Main Card
Pat Barry (-165) vs. Christian Morecraft (+145)
Mike Easton (-340) vs. Jared Papazian (+280)
Duane Ludwig (-110) vs. Josh Neer (-110)
Jim Miller (-170) vs. Melvin Guillard (+150)

Undercard
Nick Denis (-240) vs. Joseph Sandoval (+200)
Daniel Pineda (-120) vs. Pat Schilling (EV)
Fabricio Camoes (-325) vs. Tom Hayden (+265)
Kamal Shalorus (-135) vs. Habib Nurmagomedov (+115)
Charlie Brenneman (-300) vs. Daniel Roberts (+250)
Eric Schafer (-155) vs. Jorge Rivera (+135)

Thoughts…

The Main Event: Here’s what we know; Melvin Guillard may just be the hardest hitting 155er in the UFC, and has greatly improved his takedown defense over the years. What we also know is that Melvin recently decided to leave the team responsible for his recent success to join a camp that allowed Anthony Johnson to show up twelve pounds overweight at the UFC 142 weigh-ins. Oh yeah, and he doesn’t exactly have a ground game worth bragging about, and against a Jiu-Jitsu ace like Miller, that spells trouble.

On the contrary, Jim Miller is a smart, well rounded fighter who has been impossible to knock out thus far in his career. Is that saying Melvin can’t knock him out? Well, allow us to answer that question with a question; did anyone expect Guillard to steamroll Evan Dunham like he did? That being said, Miller is the worst kind of match-up for Guillard, and he should be able to snatch up a submission within three rounds.

The Good Dogs: Off the bat, Jorge Rivera looks good at +135. Though he’s dropped two straight, he’s got some serious power in his punches, and is facing a consistent UFC under-performer in Eric Schafer. This one really depends on whether or not “Red” can get it to the mat; if Jorge can stick-and-move, he’s got this one. Another name that stands out is one you probably won’t recognize, Habib Nurmagomedov. The man is 16-0 with an even KO to submission ratio, and is facing a toguh but flawed fighter in Kamal Shalorus. “The Price of Persia” has not fought since being TKO’ed by Jim Miller nearly a year ago, and though he may have some big league experience on “The Nurm” (official CP nickname), he also has some HUGE holes in his stand up game.

Also, several other gambling sites have Josh Neer listed as a slight underdog to Duane Ludwig at the moment, which could net you a small profit with a lone bet. Neer has a much better ground game, an arguably better gas tank, and only been stopped by strikes once in his career. Placing a small bet on “The Dentist” doesn’t seem like a terrible idea, but keep that one away from your parlay.

Tread Lightly: When placing your bet on Pat Barry. Don’t get us wrong, if Stefan Struve and Matt Mitrione were able to stop Christian Morecraft in the fashion they did, then “HD” should by all means have his way with him. But anyone who possesses a basic submission knowledge poses a threat to Barry *cough* Tim Hague, anyone?* We still like him to win, but aren’t going to bet the house on this one. He makes a nice addition to a parlay though.

Official CagePotato Parlay: Miller + Easton + Barry + Denis

100 bucks nets you $367.65 in return. Now, let’s all hold hands and pray to our collective Gods that we don’t have to pay another visit to Big Tim after this one.

-Danga 

Wednesday Morning MMA Link Club: Weidman vs. Maia Booked for UFC on FOX 2, Ken-Flo Lands UFC Commentary Gig + More

(You’ve given us a lot to think about, weird yoga girl. Props: EpicTunaMan via Fightlinker)

Some selected highlights from our friends around the MMA blogosphere…

Chris Weidman to Face Demian Maia at UFC on FOX 2 (MMA Fighting)

MiddleEasy.com Is Against SOPA/PIPA (MiddleEasy)

– Kenny Florian to Provide Color Commentary for UFC’s Second Team (5th Round)

Big Bang: Duane Ludwig UFC on FX Interview Exclusive (MMA Mania)

Prince of Persia: Kamal Shalorus talks UFC on FX 1 (Exclusive) (Lowkick.Blitzcorner.com)

First Look at ‘UFC Undisputed 3’ Video Game — Videos & Photos Dump (The Fight Nerd)

– What Did the Fighters Do After UFC 1? (BleacherReport.com/MMA)

Jim Miller on Melvin Guillard: ‘I’m a Fan of the Way He Fights’ (FightLine)

– DREAM and ProElite Announce New Partnership (Five Ounces of Pain)

Georges St. Pierre Would Rather Fight Nick Diaz Than Carlos Condit (MMA Convert)

WWE Head Nixes Punk-Sonnen Entrance (MMA Payout)

– Zuffa’s IQ Test (Fight Opinion)


(You’ve given us a lot to think about, weird yoga girl. Props: EpicTunaMan via Fightlinker)

Some selected highlights from our friends around the MMA blogosphere…

Chris Weidman to Face Demian Maia at UFC on FOX 2 (MMA Fighting)

MiddleEasy.com Is Against SOPA/PIPA (MiddleEasy)

– Kenny Florian to Provide Color Commentary for UFC’s Second Team (5th Round)

Big Bang: Duane Ludwig UFC on FX Interview Exclusive (MMA Mania)

Prince of Persia: Kamal Shalorus talks UFC on FX 1 (Exclusive) (Lowkick.Blitzcorner.com)

First Look at ‘UFC Undisputed 3′ Video Game — Videos & Photos Dump (The Fight Nerd)

– What Did the Fighters Do After UFC 1? (BleacherReport.com/MMA)

Jim Miller on Melvin Guillard: ‘I’m a Fan of the Way He Fights’ (FightLine)

– DREAM and ProElite Announce New Partnership (Five Ounces of Pain)

Georges St. Pierre Would Rather Fight Nick Diaz Than Carlos Condit (MMA Convert)

WWE Head Nixes Punk-Sonnen Entrance (MMA Payout)

– Zuffa’s IQ Test (Fight Opinion)

Wild-Ass UFC Booking Roundup: Miller vs. Shalorus, Faber vs. Wineland, Bruce Leroy, Kid Yamamoto + More

("This big horsemeat-eating motherf*cker is next.")
There’s been a veritable orgy of UFC fight-bookings happening over the last couple days, and we might as well throw them all at you in one lump sum. We’ll start with one that might…


("This big horsemeat-eating motherf*cker is next.")

There’s been a veritable orgy of UFC fight-bookings happening over the last couple days, and we might as well throw them all at you in one lump sum. We’ll start with one that might not be the biggest of the bunch, but definitely struck us as the strangest…

Jim Miller vs. Kamal Shalorus – UFC 128:
When Dana White proclaimed that Miller’s impressive kneebar submission win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 124 put him in the mix of  lightweight contenders, nobody figured that would mean that he’d be paired with an Octagon newcomer in his next bout. But this is the UFC, and sometimes the organization’s MMA math just doesn’t make a hell of a lot of sense. The Sparta, New Jersey native will attempt to increase his winning streak to seven when he takes on  (7-0-2) WEC veteran Shalorus at UFC 128 in his backyard in New Jersey.

Dan Miller vs. David Branch – UFC 128:
Considering that his brother is on the card and they can save on cornermen hotel rooms and plane tickets, it’s a no-brainer that the UFC would have another local fighter like Miller on the card for UFC 128. The fact that they now have to pay Chuck Liddell’s seven-figure salary,  bar and strip club tabs has not been lost on the accounting department who have undoubtedly suggested some cost cutting measures that will be implemented in 2011. Wait until you see the beat-up budget ex-strippers they bring in to replace Arianny and Chandella.

Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. Brendan Schaub – UFC 128:
It turned out that reports earlier this week that a rumored bout between Schaub and Stephan Struve had been verbally agreed to by both fighters were incorrect. Instead, Schaub will look to climb over former PRIDE wrecking machine, Cro Cop on his way to a top five opponent in 2011.

Filipovic will attempt to prolong his rapidly shortening career by defeating the up-and-coming fighter who is riding a three-fight winning streak which includes a "W" over Gabriel Gonzaga — the last man to put Cro Cop to sleep prior to Frank Mir turning his lights out in his last outing at UFC 119.

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WEC 53 Predictions

Filed under: WEC
World Extreme Cagefighting puts on its 53rd and final fight card Thursday night, and we’ll say goodbye with what should be a very entertaining fight card, with one bout determining the first UFC bantamweight champion, and another deter…

Filed under:


World Extreme Cagefighting puts on its 53rd and final fight card Thursday night, and we’ll say goodbye with what should be a very entertaining fight card, with one bout determining the first UFC bantamweight champion, and another determining the next UFC No. 1 contender.

What: WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis

Where: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona

When: Thursday, the non-televised undercard begins at 7 PM ET and the Versus TV card begins at 9.

Predictions on the five televised fights below.

Kamal Shalorus: ‘I’m Going to Miss the WEC’

Filed under: WEC, FanHouse ExclusiveBritish-Iranian lightweight Kamal Shalorus will miss the promotion that gave him his big break in mixed martial arts.

“Honestly, I love WEC,” Shalorus recently told MMAFighting.com. “WEC is kind of like my home and …

Filed under: ,

British-Iranian lightweight Kamal Shalorus will miss the promotion that gave him his big break in mixed martial arts.

“Honestly, I love WEC,” Shalorus recently told MMAFighting.com. “WEC is kind of like my home and I know UFC and WEC [will be] coming together. I’m going to miss the WEC.”

While the WEC and UFC are within the same family and by default, share much in common, there will still be something lost once the WEC-UFC merger is completed.

“It’s such a great organization, but at the end, the WEC and the UFC are the same, so I’m so super excited if I could get inside the UFC,” he continued. “Yeah, I’m super excited, but I feel like I wish WEC were there too, you know?”