Fighters Only

Issue 074

April 2011

José Aldo enters the UFC with a glowing reputation and a place in the upper echelons of the pound-for-pound rankings. As well as his old WEC rivals, a host of big names with Octagon experience are potential opponents for the diminutive megastar....

Kenny Florian

In Brief

TUF 1 Finalist (at 185lb) who dropped down the weights

Known For

Hellish elbows and finishing fights. Has failed against prodigal talents (one in particular, BJ Penn).

High

Choking out Joe Stevenson at UFC 91 to become number-one contender in the lightweight division

Low

Unable to make an impression in his title challenge against BJ Penn, falling to a rear naked choke

Against Aldo

With little hope of another title challenge, super-gatekeeper Florian could welcome Jose to 155lb or drop down to his fourth weight class in search of glory

Frankie Edgar

In Brief

UFC lightweight champion

Known For

Speedy and intelligent stand up backed by tidy wrestling

High

After a controversial first fight, he dominated BJ Penn in their rematch in Boston

Low

His sole defeat came at the hands of Gray Maynard. The pair will meet for a third time in May after their epic title match on January 1st was scored a draw

Against Aldo

An inch shorter than Aldo, Frankie could make 145lb. Whatever happens in his rematch with Maynard, a super-fight with the Brazilian is on the cards down the line

Clay Guida

In Brief

Crowd favorite with an all-action approach to fighting

Known For

Crazy hair, getting slapped by his much larger brother Jason, and carpentry

High

Won three ‘Fight of the Night’ bonuses. Defeated in two of those, but in his back-and-forth scrap with Nate Diaz at UFC 94 he got the decision victory

Low

With his own blood flowing from a cut, Guida tapped to a rear naked choke against Kenny Florian at UFC 107 and kissed any title dreams goodbye

Against Aldo

Guida may well see moving to featherweight as a way of escaping the stacked 155lb division. His popularity would guarantee an early title shot

Sean Sherk

In Brief

Former UFC lightweight champion

Known For

Muscular wrestling style. Stripped of his belt after testing positive for a banned steroid

High

Had too much for Kenny Florian when he claimed the vacant lightweight strap at UFC 64

Low

After a poisonous build up, his grudge match against BJ Penn turned into a one-sided beatdown with the Hawaiian in complete control

Against Aldo

‘The Muscle Shark’ would have to lose a limb to make 145lb. A borderline heel character with name recognition: the ideal match-up for a man looking to impress

Jim Miller

In Brief

Rising star who features in most reputable lightweight top ten lists

Known For

Brazilian jiu-jitsu blackbelt with a couple of ‘Submission of the Night’ bonuses to his name

High

His first-round kneebar win over the hotly tipped Charles Oliveira at UFC 124 snapped a run of decision victories

Low

His two defeats have come against champ Edgar and number-one contender Maynard. Jim was unable to take Gray down at UFC 96 and was bullied on the feet for three rounds

Against Aldo

Has only lost to the best. If José fancies a crack at the lightweights, a contest with Miller would be a good guide to his prospects

Tyson Griffin

In Brief

Exciting wrestler from Xtreme Couture

Known For

The former Mr ‘Fight of the Night’ is now riding a three-fight losing streak

High

Ended the overweight Hermes Franca’s Octagon career with spiteful punches at UFC 103

Low

His 63-second KO loss to Takanori Gomi dealt a major blow to his career prospects

Against Aldo

Recent poor results mean the grass may look greener at 145lb. Habitual entertaining fights make Tyson a good opponent to introduce Aldo to a UFC audience