Tag: Mamed Khalidov

VIDEO: Another Khalidov Victory, and the New “Mamed Khalidov Challenge”

(Khalidov vs. Falcao, recorded on a potato for your viewing pleasure.)

We’ve been dick-ridin‘ Polish middleweight Mamed Khalidov for what seems like a decade now, and for good reason. Currently 29-4-2 as a pro, Khalidov has suffered just one defeat in the past four years and has showcased equally impressive knockout power and submission skills (not to mention, spinning sh*t) during his unblemished run under the KSW banner. Even though he already turned down a lowball offer from the UFC in 2012, we named Khalidov one of four European fighters the UFC should sign in 2014 because we are dying to see what this man can do in a promotion known for something more than its hilariously incompetent judges.

In fact, Khalidov has more or less built his fierce reputation on the graves of UFC veterans young and old in recent years, notching victories over Jesse Taylor, Rodney Wallace, James Irvin, and Matt Lindland among others. Khalidov continued with his conquest of all things UFC waste-related at KSW 27 last weekend, submitting one-time Gas Station FC contender Maiquel Falcao with an armbar in the first round of their main event scrap and earning a big pat on the back from the MMA world in doing so.

And that’s the thing; Khalidov has not only been clowning any UFC veteran placed before him since 2011; he’s been doing it quickly. Like, first round quickly. So in light of Bob Sapp’s shocking retirement from the sport, it seems fitting that we should replace the Bob Sapp Challenge™ with something more fitting on this legendary day, does it not?

The new rules of the Mamed Khalidov Challenge™ await you after the jump.


(Khalidov vs. Falcao, recorded on a potato for your viewing pleasure.)

We’ve been dick-ridin‘ Polish middleweight Mamed Khalidov for what seems like a decade now, and for good reason. Currently 29-4-2 as a pro, Khalidov has suffered just one defeat in the past four years and has showcased equally impressive knockout power and submission skills (not to mention, spinning sh*t) during his unblemished run under the KSW banner. Even though he already turned down a lowball offer from the UFC in 2012, we named Khalidov one of four European fighters the UFC should sign in 2014 because we are dying to see what this man can do in a promotion known for something more than its hilariously incompetent judges.

In fact, Khalidov has more or less built his fierce reputation on the graves of UFC veterans young and old in recent years, notching victories over Jesse Taylor, Rodney Wallace, James Irvin, and Matt Lindland among others. Khalidov continued with his conquest of all things UFC waste-related at KSW 27 last weekend, submitting one-time Gas Station FC contender Maiquel Falcao with an armbar in the first round of their main event scrap and earning a big pat on the back from the MMA world in doing so.

And that’s the thing; Khalidov has not only been clowning any UFC veteran placed before him since 2011; he’s been doing it quickly. Like, first round quickly. So in light of Bob Sapp’s shocking retirement from the sport, it seems fitting that we should replace the Bob Sapp Challenge™ with something more fitting on this legendary day, does it not?

The new rules of the Mamed Khalidov Challenge™ await you after the jump.

Mamed Khalidov is damn near unstoppable when fighting in his native Poland. In the past three years, TUF 3 alum Kendall Grove has been the only UFC vet to make it out of the first round against him while fighting for the KSW promotion. Falcao was a mere 8 seconds away from doing so before being submitted on Saturday, and even then, lasted longer than Wallace, Lindland, and Irvin did against Khalidov combined. Clearly, a precedent needs to be set here.

So, future UFC castaways who agree to face Khalidov, our challenge is simple: See how long you can last against Khalidov before he inevitably defeats you. Jab and jog. Lay and pray. Pull a Kalib Starnes and just run away until the first round bell rings if you have to. Do whatever you can to make Khalidov truly earn the mountain of Monopoly money he is being paid to outclass you for the delight of his fellow Polish.

To clarify, future UFC castaways who agree to face Khalidov, you shouldn’t try and actually win the fight. You won’t. Kahlidov is too well-rounded for you, and let’s be honest, your best days are behind you. If they weren’t, you probably wouldn’t be traveling to Poland to get served on a silver platter to some mid-level MMA promotion’s standout fighter for less money than your plane ticket cost. You’d probably still be fighting for the UFC (unless you were one of those Jake Shields types).

But every challenge warrants some sort of reward, right? Being a mid-level MMA blog comprised of UFC haters and basement-dwelling troglodytes, we only have so much to give, but we can offer you the following prizes dependent on how well you fare against Khalidov:

Second Round: A CagePotato “Pull No Punches” T-Shirt

Second Round, 2:00: A CP “Pull No Punches” T-Shirt and a copy of Tank Abbott’s masterpiece Bar Brawler

Second Round, 3:00: Bar Brawler, a copy of UFC 91 signed by Randy Couture that I won playing UFC Fantasy League back when it was a thing, and a lifetime’s supply of Corn Nuts (one bag is a lifetime’s supply)

Second Round, 4:00: A gift basket that includes a CP “Famous Hairstyles” T-Shirt, five bottles of assorted Buffalo Wild Wings sauces, a Tater Williams “Five of These Across the Sneeze” bumper sticker, tickets to the red carpet premiere of the Kickboxer remake starring Georges St. Pierre (assuming it has one, which it probably won’t), and a Bud Light beach towel, because Coors Light ain’t paying us sh*t

Third Round (!): A carafe of Gina Carano‘s sweat we obtained from our Black House connection, no questions asked.

Get to it, you guys!

–J. Jones

Four European MMA Fighters the UFC Should Sign in 2014


(Mamed Khalidov squints in celebration after choking out Melvin Manhoef last June. Photo via Piotr Pedziszewski/Sherdog)

By Nasir Jabbar

The UFC’s ongoing quest for world domination will see the promotion hold over forty events in 2014, including the “European Tour” that kicks off March 8th in London with UFC Fight Night 38. After that, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Poland, and Turkey will also host Fight Night events, catering to the many fans across Europe who are hungry for their UFC fix.

Since these events will be broadcast on the UFC’s online service Fight Pass, they will likely be filled with European talent, to not only attract local crowds but to keep the costs down. The UFC’s European Head of Operations Garry Cook previously revealed that the promotion was on the lookout for another matchmaker to join Joe Silva and Sean Shelby, specifically to help fill those events. So, I’ll do the job for them and highlight four European fighters that UFC needs to sign this year…

MAMED KHALIDOV

(Khalidov vs. Kendall Grove @ KSW 21, 12/1/12)

Current Employer: KSW
Notable Wins: Mevlin Manhoef, Kendall Grove, Rodney Wallace, Matt Lindland, James Irvin
Why the UFC Should Sign Him: We’ve been Khalidov-nuthuggers for years, but can you blame us? Currently riding an eight-fight win streak (all wins by stoppage) the Polish wrecking machine is widely regarded as the best middleweight not signed to a major promotion. Admittedly, his opponents have mainly consisted of cans and UFC washouts, but he has dispatched them in brutal fashion. The Chechnya native has displayed a wide range of attacks as he continues to swallow the competition KSW feeds him, utilizing his devastating submission game and vicious striking.

Many of the big players in the MMA world have tried to get the elusive signature of Khalidov, with Bellator, Strikeforce and the UFC all failing. Khalidov went as far as to call the UFC’s offer “laughable” back in 2012, but with the 33-year-old racking up more wins since the initial offer, the Zuffa brass might be convinced to dig deeper into their pockets to make another offer. Despite the possibility of being a fairly “expensive” European signee, he would provide a stiff test for many of the top 185-pounders on the UFC’s roster. And if the UFC really wants to break into the Polish market, they need this guy.


(Mamed Khalidov squints in celebration after choking out Melvin Manhoef last June. Photo via Piotr Pedziszewski/Sherdog)

By Nasir Jabbar

The UFC’s ongoing quest for world domination will see the promotion hold over forty events in 2014, including the “European Tour” that kicks off March 8th in London with UFC Fight Night 38. After that, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Poland, and Turkey will also host Fight Night events, catering to the many fans across Europe who are hungry for their UFC fix.

Since these events will be broadcast on the UFC’s online service Fight Pass, they will likely be filled with European talent, to not only attract local crowds but to keep the costs down. The UFC’s European Head of Operations Garry Cook previously revealed that the promotion was on the lookout for another matchmaker to join Joe Silva and Sean Shelby, specifically to help fill those events. So, I’ll do the job for them and highlight four European fighters that UFC needs to sign this year…

MAMED KHALIDOV

(Khalidov vs. Kendall Grove @ KSW 21, 12/1/12)

Current Employer: KSW
Notable Wins: Mevlin Manhoef, Kendall Grove, Rodney Wallace, Matt Lindland, James Irvin
Why the UFC Should Sign Him: We’ve been Khalidov-nuthuggers for years, but can you blame us? Currently riding an eight-fight win streak (all wins by stoppage) the Polish wrecking machine is widely regarded as the best middleweight not signed to a major promotion. Admittedly, his opponents have mainly consisted of cans and UFC washouts, but he has dispatched them in brutal fashion. The Chechnya native has displayed a wide range of attacks as he continues to swallow the competition KSW feeds him, utilizing his devastating submission game and vicious striking.

Many of the big players in the MMA world have tried to get the elusive signature of Khalidov, with Bellator, Strikeforce and the UFC all failing. Khalidov went as far as to call the UFC’s offer “laughable” back in 2012, but with the 33-year-old racking up more wins since the initial offer, the Zuffa brass might be convinced to dig deeper into their pockets to make another offer. Despite the possibility of being a fairly “expensive” European signee, he would provide a stiff test for many of the top 185-pounders on the UFC’s roster. And if the UFC really wants to break into the Polish market, they need this guy.

CATHAL PENDRED

(Pendred vs. Che Mills @ Cage Warriors 55, 6/1/13)

Current Employer: Cage Warriors
Notable Wins: Che Mills, Nico Musoke, David Bielkheden
Why the UFC Should Sign Him: Pendred is already set to appear on TUF 19: Penn vs. Edgar in pursuit of a UFC contract, but being on the reality show doesn’t guarantee him one. Regardless of how he performs, the Irishman warrants a space on the UFC roster. He may not be as brash or have any special talents like his teammate Conor McGregor, but Pendred is definitely a talent to watch as he provides non-stop action, and an effective grinding style that has helped him remain unbeaten since 2010.

The former CWFC welterweight champion, who was born in Boston, campaigned hard to get on last year’s debut FOX Sports 1 show, but failed in his attempt. Most recently he asked Dana White for a spot opposite Alessio Sakara as Tom Watson fell victim to the injury bug, but the gig eventually went to Nico Musoke, a former scalp of Pendred. And so, Pendred is entering the UFC the hard way — through the booze-fueled reality show chaos of TUF. Pendred is familiar with UFC competition as he trains regularly at Straight Blast Gym in Ireland which houses McGregor and Iceland’s Gunnar Nelson.

MANSOUR BARNAOUI

(Barnaoui vs. Colin Fletcher @ BAMMA 14, 12/14/13)

Current Employer: BAMMA
Notable Wins: Colin Fletcher, Curt Warburton
Why the UFC Should Sign Him: Born in Tunisia and now residing in France, the current BAMMA lightweight champion has looked very impressive with back-to-back first round finishes over ex-UFC fighters Curt Warburton and Colin Fletcher. Warburton employed a heavy grappling offense which Barnaoui was able to stifle by getting back to his feet whenever taken down and punishing Warburton with strikes, eventually getting the finish. The rangy striker is always the aggressor in the stand-up, and his knee strikes have also made him very dangerous in the clinch.

Barnaoui’s title defense against Fletcher was a wild brawl. Nevertheless, Barnaoui showed more composure during the battle, ultimately pulling through after he was dropped, then avoiding a submission before pulling one off himself. The man also known as “Tarzan” has already racked up thirteen professional fights, and as he continues to develop his skills the 21-year-old is only getting better.

IVAN BUCHINGER

(Buchinger vs. Stevie Ray @ Cage Warriors 63, 12/31/13)

Current Employer: Cage Warriors
Notable Wins: Stevie Ray, Jamal Magomedov
Why the UFC Should Sign Him: Bellator light-heavyweight champion Attila Vegh isn’t the only well known MMA fighter representing Slovakia, as Cage Warriors featherweight champion Ivan Buchinger has also done his home country proud. More known for his defeat to Conor McGregor — which has led to the footage being played over, and over again — “Buki” has since redeemed himself by going on a four-fight win streak which saw him capture the CWFC featherweight title.

Buchinger has demonstrated his durability and endurance by finishing opponents late in his fights, including a fourth-round submission victory over then-champion Stevie Ray. Buchinger has a varied attack which paves the way for his buttery smooth ground game, which has helped him win a majority of his fights by submission. The Slovak doesn’t play it safe and always looks to end the fight before the last bell. With the way things have been going lately, the UFC could use more guys like that.

[VIDEO] Freakshow Fights of The Day – KSW 23 Edition


(Looks like he is training hard for…oh god that was awful. I’ll show myself out now. -SF)

Alright, so we’re being dicks in calling these fights “freakshows,” yes. Only one of them included a former World’s Strongest Man champion swinging his ham hocks around wildly, after all – the other had a legit top Polish prospect against a very good kick boxer – and both of them included guys with the guts to glove up and man-up.

Still, there’s something wonderfully faux-epic/Euro-trashy about KSW shows and Maruiusz Pudzianowski both so we’re going with “freak show.” Not that you shouldn’t watch the videos after the jump – you totally should.

UFC veteran and certified internet troll nut bag Sean McCorkle appears to wilt under Pudzi’s initial strong-man onslaught before getting on top and finishing with a Kimura shoulder lock.

For a few moments in the bout between Mamed Khalidov and Melvin Manoef, the two tried kicking the crap out of each other. Then, Mamed thought better of exchanging with the K-1 veteran and promptly guillotine choked Melly-Mel.

Check out both vids after the jump. Don’t pretend you have something better to do.


(Looks like he is training hard for…oh god that was awful. I’ll show myself out now. -SF)

Alright, so we’re being dicks in calling these fights “freakshows,” yes. Only one of them included a former World’s Strongest Man champion swinging his ham hocks around wildly, after all – the other had a legit top Polish prospect against a very good kick boxer – and both of them included guys with the guts to glove up and man-up.

Still, there’s something wonderfully faux-epic/Euro-trashy about KSW shows and Maruiusz Pudzianowski both so we’re going with “freak show.” Not that you shouldn’t watch the videos after the jump – you totally should.

UFC veteran and certified internet troll nut bag Sean McCorkle appears to wilt under Pudzi’s initial strong-man onslaught before getting on top and finishing with a Kimura shoulder lock.

For a few moments in the bout between Mamed Khalidov and Melvin Manoef, the two tried kicking the crap out of each other. Then, Mamed thought better of exchanging with the K-1 veteran and promptly guillotine choked Melly-Mel.

Check out both vids after the jump. Don’t pretend you have something better to do.

Mariusz Pudzianowski vs. Sean McCorkle:

Sean McCorkle vs. Mariusz Pudzianowski: KSW 23 by MMA4ALL

Mamed Khalidov vs. Melvin Manoef

Khalidov.vs.Manhoef by _gosc_

– Elias Cepeda

Recap: Khalidov Submits Grove, Michal Materla Joins the First-Punch KO Hall of Fame at KSW 21: Final Resolution

We’re not sure if Mamed Khalidov has been workshopping any nickname ideas, but as the unofficial authorities on this subject, we’d like to suggest “The Compactor.” Because for the past two or so years, Khalidov has been making his living collecting the UFC’s trash and shredding them into bite-sized pieces before disposing of them like yesterday’s leftovers. In this regard, his victory over TUF 3 winner Kendall Grove was a success, as he secured a rarely seen achilles lock to put Grove away inside the distance. But in a way, the win was one of Khalidov’s less impressive performances in recent memory. I mean, he even let Grove get to the second round for Chrissakes, and considering UFC veterans like Rodney Wallace, James “WHY ME?!” Irvin, Matt Lindland, and Jesse Taylor couldn’t make it out of the second minute, it really makes you wonder just why Khalidov decided to dick around for as long as he did.

We kid, we kid. In his last six fights, Khalidov has scored two victories by knockout, one by armbar, one by kneebar, one by guillotine, and one by the aforementioned Achilles lock. The man is as close to a human Swiss army knife as you will ever find, and once the UFC offers him a contract worth more than the paper it’s printed on, expect to see him making waves stateside.

Unfortunately, the video of his fight with Grove in unembeddable, so you’ll have to go here to check it out.

After the jump: Videos of the night’s co-main event — which pitted Rodney Wallace against Michael Materla for the KSW middleweight title — and the scrap between UFC veterans Matt Horwich and Terry Martin.

We’re not sure if Mamed Khalidov has been workshopping any nickname ideas, but as the unofficial authorities on this subject, we’d like to suggest “The Compactor.” Because for the past two or so years, Khalidov has been making his living collecting the UFC’s trash and shredding them into bite-sized pieces before disposing of them like yesterday’s leftovers. In this regard, his victory over TUF 3 winner Kendall Grove was a success, as he secured a rarely seen achilles lock to put Grove away inside the distance. But in a way, the win was one of Khalidov’s less impressive performances in recent memory. I mean, he even let Grove get to the second round for Chrissakes, and considering UFC veterans like Rodney Wallace, James “WHY ME?!” Irvin, Matt Lindland, and Jesse Taylor couldn’t make it out of the second minute, it really makes you wonder just why Khalidov decided to dick around for as long as he did.

We kid, we kid. In his last six fights, Khalidov has scored two victories by knockout, one by armbar, one by kneebar, one by guillotine, and one by the aforementioned Achilles lock. The man is as close to a human Swiss army knife as you will ever find, and once the UFC offers him a contract worth more than the paper it’s printed on, expect to see him making waves stateside.

Unfortunately, the video of his fight with Grove in unembeddable, so you’ll have to go here to check it out.

We’re not sure how Rodney Wallace fandangled his way into a middleweight title shot considering he was knocked out by none other than Mamed Khalidov in his last KSW appearance, but be that as it may, Wallace found himself riding a two fight win streak heading into his match against 18-3 Michal “Magic” Materla. Unfortunately for Wallace, his second appearance under the KSW banner would go even worse than the first. Materla only needed one punch — specifically, the first one he threw — to send Wallace crashing to the mat like a farm plow stuck in a rut. Face down, ass up, that’s the way Michal likes to fuck Chuck.

A few follow-up hammerfists sealed the deal, and the newly crowned middleweight champ now finds himself on a six fight win streak that includes victories over UFC veterans Jay Silva and Matt Horwich, the latter of which squared off with fellow UFC vet terry Martin just beforehand.

When you read this headline, did you think it was Terry Martin who would end up on the wrong end of the first-punch KO? No one would have blamed, for your reasoning was undeniably sound, but Martin would actually succumb to an even more demoralizing loss than usual at the hands of Matt Horwich last Saturday.

Despite being taken down early, Horwich — who is looking like Roy Nelson’s meth-dealing cousin nowadays — utilized his superior grappling background to pull out a late first round TKO stoppage over Martin. And we say TKO in the loosest sense of the term, as Horwich managed to follow an omoplata sweep with some of the honest-to-God weakest ground-n-pound punches we have ever witnessed. Still, the defeat had to be somewhat of a moral victory for Martin, in that he wasn’t completely zombified by the time the fight was over like every other one of his 8 (T)KO losses. I hope that dude likes smoothies, because that’s all he’s gonna be eating in the future if he keeps this up.

–J. Jones

Rumor of the Day: Mamed Khalidov Has Signed With Strikeforce


(If that kick had been thrown in the UFC, there’s a 99% chance it would have knocked Santiago out.) 

According to Swedish news source mmanytt, Polish middleweight phenom Mamed Khalidov has supposedly reached an agreement with Strikeforce and will make his debut in early 2013. Khalidov, whom you may recall was offered a contract with the UFC a few months ago that was plain laughable, has won his last five fights by way of stoppage, with all of those wins coming within the first three minutes of action. It appears that his desire to get, get, get, get get, get that paper has actually paid off, as he has not only been offered a much higher payrate per fight with Strikeforce, but will also be free of the contract exclusivity that UFC fighters face. As long as he does not become champion, that is.

A skilled submission fighter with equally as deadly striking, we have sang the praises of Khalidov for some time now here at CP, and it’s good to see that he may finally be getting the chance to show off his skills to a wider audience. Let’s hope he doesn’t blow it (we’re looking at you, Mr. Lombard.)

We will have more on this possible signing as it develops.

After the jump: A trio of fight videos that sees Khalidov wipe the floor with UFC veterans James Irvin, Rodney Wallace, and Jesse Taylor.


(If that kick had been thrown in the UFC, there’s a 99% chance it would have knocked Santiago out.) 

According to Swedish news source mmanytt, Polish middleweight phenom Mamed Khalidov has supposedly reached an agreement with Strikeforce and will make his debut in early 2013. Khalidov, whom you may recall was offered a contract with the UFC a few months ago that was plain laughable, has won his last five fights by way of stoppage, with all of those wins coming within the first three minutes of action. It appears that his desire to get, get, get, get get, get that paper has actually paid off, as he has not only been offered a much higher payrate per fight with Strikeforce, but will also be free of the contract exclusivity that UFC fighters face. As long as he does not become champion, that is.

A skilled submission fighter with equally as deadly striking, we have sang the praises of Khalidov for some time now here at CP, and it’s good to see that he may finally be getting the chance to show off his skills to a wider audience. Let’s hope he doesn’t blow it (we’re looking at you, Mr. Lombard.)

We will have more on this possible signing as it develops.

After the jump: A trio of fight videos that sees Khalidov wipe the floor with UFC veterans James Irvin, Rodney Wallace, and Jesse Taylor.

Khalidov vs. Taylor

Khalidov vs. Irvin 

Ah, the good old days when Irvin was still giving at least half a shit.

Khalidov vs. Wallace 

–J. Jones

Mamed Khalidov Has Been Offered a UFC Contract That Apparently Ain’t Worth Diddly Squat

(Khalidov’s most recent bit of UFC-washout dispatching handiwork at KSW 19.) 

If you’ve even been a semi-regular reader of this site over the past few months, then you are probably familiar with our nuthuggery when it comes to Polish powerhouse Mamed Khalidov. With a record that currently stands at 25-4, Khalidov has made a name for himself as of late by quickly and violently decimating any challenge placed before him under the KSW banner. His diet has consisted mainly of ex-UFC talent including James Irvin, Jesse Taylor, Jorge Santiago, and Matt Lindland, and he has not lost a fight since March of 2010 (in a rematch with Santiago). In those fights, Khalidov has proven to be as dynamic and powerful a striker as he is a lethal submission savant, and with the Biblical-scale plague of injuries currently sweeping through the UFC’s roster, now seems like a better time than any for Khalidov to test himself in the sport’s highest promotion, don’t you think?

Well, even though it is being reported that Khalidov has in fact been offered a contract by Dana & Co, the jury is still out on whether or not we’ll actually be seeing him stateside anytime soon. The reason, as it always is, boils down to simple dollars and cents. Or lack thereof.


(Khalidov’s most recent bit of UFC-washout dispatching handiwork at KSW 19.) 

If you’ve even been a semi-regular reader of this site over the past few months, then you are probably familiar with our nuthuggery when it comes to Polish powerhouse Mamed Khalidov. With a record that currently stands at 25-4, Khalidov has made a name for himself as of late by quickly and violently decimating any challenge placed before him under the KSW banner. His diet has consisted mainly of ex-UFC talent including James Irvin, Jesse Taylor, Jorge Santiago, and Matt Lindland, and he has not lost a fight since March of 2010 (in a rematch with Santiago). In those fights, Khalidov has proven to be as dynamic and powerful a striker as he is a lethal submission savant, and with the Biblical-scale plague of injuries currently sweeping through the UFC’s roster, now seems like a better time than any for Khalidov to test himself in the sport’s highest promotion, don’t you think?

Well, even though it is being reported that Khalidov has in fact been offered a contract by Dana & Co, the jury is still out on whether or not we’ll actually be seeing him stateside anytime soon. The reason, as it always is, boils down to simple dollars and cents. Or lack thereof.

Even though Khalidov hasn’t faced a legitimate test since his aforementioned rematch with Santiago (who, let’s face it, has proven to be less than UFC material), he is looking to prove himself to a whole new audience, and the UFC would obviously be the best place to do so. The initial contract Mamed was offered, however, is apparently so “laughable” that he is turning it down because he makes a great deal more competing under the KSW banner. That’s right, the same promotion that can’t even afford to hire ADHD-free judges can somehow manage to outbid the promotion that is willing to pay Nick Diaz three hundred thousand dollars just to show up to a press conference. You gotta love the places incompetence can bring you in today’s society.

According to FightersOnly, Khalidov currently makes around $30,000 a fight under his current KSW contract, which isn’t bad at all. When you consider that less than half of his fights under the promotion have lasted over two minutes, it makes that number look even more better. But if the UFC isn’t even coming close to matching that offer, Khalidov might as well plow through the next season of The Ultimate Fighter scrubs and get locked into one of their paltry contracts. The fact that he is considering turning down the contract must mean that the number offered is far below the 30K he makes a fight over in his native Poland, which is pretty sad considering his skill set and record.

But looking at things from the UFC’s perspective, Khalidov is a generally unknown (even to some more knowledgeable fans) prospect who hasn’t been legitimately tested in a couple of years. He lacks the drawing power, and could, like his Sengoku counterpart in Santiago, prove to simply not be at UFC level within just a couple fights. But that’s why they’re called gambles.

Personally, I think Khalidov will fair quite well in the UFC’s middleweight division, and should be offered a contract that reflects a good degree of confidence in his abilities. Check out a few of his most recent performances and give us your assessment.

Khalidov vs. Santiago 1 (unfortunately, we cannot find a video of this fight that doesn’t include some crappy European techno in the background, so just turn off your speakers for this one.)

Khalidov vs. Taylor 

Khalidov vs. Lindland 

–J. Jones