Now we’re just getting spoiled. Kenny Florian vs Takanori Gomi on free TV?! And only days after an epic UFC 111. We are truly in fisticuff heaven right now. Even Florian was surprised to hear that his fight versus Gomi would end up on free TV and not be saved for a PPV instead.
For those uninitiated with Gomi, here’s a brief breakdown: 31-5 MMA record, one of the best nicknames in the game (The Fireball Kid), former Shooto World Welterweight Champion, the last ever Pride Lightweight Champion, holder of the fastest KO in Pride history (6 seconds), has fought some of the best in the biz (B.J. Penn, Jens Pulver, Mach Sakurai, Nick Diaz). Unfortunately, at 31-years-old, it appears like his best days are behind him – he ended his run in Sengoku in early 2009 with back-to-back losses. Look for Kenny Florian to give him a rude awakening and continue his quest for a rematch with Penn.
The co-main event isn’t too shabby either, pitting The Ultimate Fighter 10 winner Roy “Big Country” Nelson against Stefan “Skyscraper” Struve. The 6’11” Struve has won three straight fights, so this will be a very good test for Nelson, who despite looking like an out of shape brawler, is really a very dangerous, well-rounded fighter with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If Nelson can get by Struve (which is what I’m predicting) that would mean he has proven that he really is a legit threat in the heavyweight division and is deserving of push up to more prestigious opponents.
The card is rounded out by TUF winner Ross Pearson going up against Dennis Silver, and two veterans – Nate Quarry and Jorge Rivera – locking horns. Regardless of the outcomes tomorrow, remember that you aren’t shelling out $59.99 to watch it. Beggers can’t be choosers.
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