Issue 068
October 2010
Back in the Gracie era, grappling emerged as the dominant force in MMA and stand-up fighters appeared obsolete. That all changed with the advent of sprawl ‘n’ brawl. Chuck Liddell is the style’s most successful exponent, but plenty others have managed to stay on their feet and slug their way to the top.
Wanderlei Silva
IN BRIEF: You don’t get a nickname like ‘The Axe Murderer’ for nothing. During the glory days of Pride, Wand’s aggressive style established him as an MMA icon.
KNOWN FOR: Throws clubbing punches and never takes a backward step.
HIGH: The 2001 demolition of Kazushi Sakuraba was an early highlight in his amazing Pride unbeaten run.
LOW: Wand came to Vegas as the star attraction of Pride 33. He left without his belt after being knocked out by Dan Henderson.
PROSPECTS: Wand’s name on a card is box office gold. His win over Michael Bisping at UFC 110 proved he is still a force to be reckoned with.
Mirko Filopovic
IN BRIEF: Former anti-terrorist cop, Pride Open Weight Grand Prix champion, and Duran Duran enthusiast.
KNOWN FOR: His left high kick is one of the most famous techniques in MMA.
HIGH: Dispatched Aleksander Emelianenko with a devastating head kick at Pride Final Conflict 2004.
LOW: Gonzaga’s shin connected with ‘Cro Cop’s skull to set the mood for his disappointing UFC career.
PROSPECTS: Many had written him off, but his recent submission win over Pat Barry will give hope to the Croatian’s army of loyal fans.
Paul Daley
IN BRIEF: The Rough House fighter made his name on the UK scene before progressing to the world stage.
KNOWN FOR: Devastating left hooks.
HIGH: Stopped Martin Kampmann in the first round to make a huge statement on his UFC debut.
LOW: His cheap shot after the final bell against Josh Koscheck at UFC 113 cost him his contract.
PROSPECTS: Got back to winning ways on the Impact FC show in Australia. If the bodies keep falling, a UFC return cannot be ruled out.
Robbie Lawler
IN BRIEF: Miletich product who rose to be the EliteXC middleweight champ.
KNOWN FOR: One of the best finishers in the biz; 16 of ‘Ruthless’ Robbie’s 19 wins have come by KO or TKO.
HIGH: Smashed Murilo ‘Ninja’ Rua to take the EliteXC belt in September 2007.
LOW: Knocked out by Nick Diaz at UFC 47.
PROSPECTS: As one of the bigger names on the Strikeforce roster, he is guaranteed high-profile bouts.
Quinton Jackson
IN BRIEF: Former Pride and UFC champ. Chain-wearing MMA icon turned movie star.
KNOWN FOR: Formerly renowned for his slams, ‘Rampage’s boxing is now approaching connoisseur levels.
HIGH: Ended Chuck Liddell’s run as the 205lb king at UFC 71.
LOW: After a long layoff on A-Team duty, he failed to deliver in his grudge match with Rashad Evans in May, losing a unanimous decision.
PROSPECTS: Lined up for a match with Lyoto Machida later this year. A win would set him up for a title shot.
Thiago Alves
IN BRIEF: Fighting out of American Top Team, Alves is in most reputable lists of top five welterweights.
KNOWN FOR: Superb takedown defense and muscular striking.
HIGH: Stuffed Matt Hughes’ takedowns, forced the pace standing, then dropped the Hall of Famer with a brutal knee in the main event of UFC 85.
LOW: A TKO defeat against Jon Fitch in June 2006 slowed the Brazilian’s momentum.
PROSPECTS: A relative youngster, he looks set to be involved in the welterweight title picture for a while.
Anthony Njokuani
IN BRIEF: The Nigerian Muay Thai specialist is a WEC lightweight title contender.
KNOWN FOR: Earned three consecutive ‘Knockout of the Night’ awards in 2009.
HIGH: At WEC 45, Chris Horodecki turned his back on Anthony. The head kick and pounding that followed should remind others not to be so foolish.
LOW: Last time out, Shane Roller exposed Njokuani’s weakness on the ground, choking Njokuani into submission in the first round.
PROSPECTS: If the WEC merges with the UFC, Anthony would have to swim with the sharks in the lightweight division.
