UFC 177: Change is Constant

Photo credit: UFC 

By: Chris Huntemann, Columnist

I guess it's a good thing I waited until the day of UFC 177 to put together this preview of the main card. If I wrote it earlier this week, I would have had to start all over again. It seems this fight card joins previous ones that are afflicted with terrible luck.

The news broke from multiple outlets yesterday that Renan Barao was pulled from his main event rematch with T.J. Dillashaw due to complications during his weight cut that resulted in a trip to the hospital. Into Barao's place steps Joe Soto, a former Bellator featherweight champion with a 15-2 record. Can Soto step in on short notice and shock the world, much like Dillashaw did when he upset Barao for the bantamweight title earlier this year? Read on to find out.  

Yancy Medeiros vs. Damon Jackson (Lightweight- 155 lbs.)

Medeiros is coming off a loss to the always-tough Jim Miller at UFC 172 in April, while Jackson is fresh off a three-fight win streak in Legacy Fighting Championship, including a victory over Leonard Garcia. Jackson is undefeated in his MMA career, with every fight ending with a finish. I like Jackson to keep that streak intact. Winner: Damon Jackson by TKO  

Ramsey Nijem vs. Carlos Ferreira (Welterweight- 170 lbs.)

I remember watching Nijem on The Ultimate Fighter and being impressed with his skill set. He's won his last two fights, including a first-round TKO in last fight. The crop of recent TUF competitors may not be as impressive as the show's early days, but I like Nijem to cast the more recent ones in a positive light on this night. Winner: Ramsey Nijem by decision

Bethe Correia vs. Shayna "The Queen of Spades" Baszler (Women's Bantamweight- 135 lbs.)

This fight has generated its own type of buzz given Correia's apparent "feud" with "The Four Horsewomen," (a name I'm not a fan of, but that's another discussion for another time) of which Baszler is a member, as is UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey. Correia defeated another Horsewomen member, Jessamyn Duke, earlier this year and seems to be playing the Sting to Rousey's Ric Flair. But first Correia will have to get through who I suppose is the Horsewomen's version of "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson in Baszler. I think Correia will do just that. I wasn't very impressed with Baszler's performance on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter that featured women. I think Correia continues her quest to a title shot. Winner: Bethe Correia by decision  

Tony "El Cucuy" Ferguson vs. Danny "Last Call" Castillo (Lightweight- 155 lbs.)

Ferguson has been on a tear in the UFC since winning The Ultimate Fighter in 2010, losing only once. Castillo has won three of his last four fights, with the lone loss coming to the human highlight reel known as Edson Barboza. Team Alpha Male has experienced a rebirth under Duane Ludwig, but I like Ferguson to continue his ascent up the lightweight ladder Winner: Tony Ferguson by TKO  

T.J. Dillashaw vs. Joe Soto (UFC bantamweight title - 135 lbs.)

Dillashaw shocked the world earlier this year when he utterly dominated Barao and took the belt. Since then he seems to have developed a nice little chip on his shoulder, and I'm sure Barao pulling out of their rematch a day in advance is just making that chip grow bigger. I'm sure Soto is as game as they come, but Dillashaw seems to be on a mission to prove he is not a fluke. Winner: T.J. Dillashaw by TKO

UFC 177 has suffered through one stroke of bad luck after another. Some fans on Twitter even posted a photo of the Titanic sinking (from the movie), suggesting it is actually the new UFC 1777 fight poster. Can these relatively unheralded competitors deliver unforgettable performances to prove the naysayers wrong? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure: procrastinating can actually be worthwhile in cases like this.  


Chris Huntemann writes about mixed martial arts in the state of Maryland. He also contributes his thoughts to our site on the UFC, Bellator, and World Series of Fighting. Check out his blog, or follow him on Twitter: @mmamaryland.

UFC fighters Ramsey Nijem and Court McGee sign with Paradigm MMA Management

(Irvine, CA)  Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) up-and-comer Ramsey Nijem and fan favorite Court “The Crusher” McGee have signed with Paradigm MMA Management for full service representation.

 In 2011, Ramsey was the runner-up on season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality TV show.  After losing in his UFC debut, Ramsey has gone on to win his next two UFC fights bringing his professional record to 6-2 (2-1 in the UFC).  Ramsey, whose next fight will be against Joe Proctor on December 8^th at UFC on FOX 5, stated that he is excited about the signing and the additional opportunities, “I signed with Paradigm because they bring professionalism to MMA and a new look on the business side of the sport.  They bring the same passion and tenacity that I bring to the cage.”

Court McGee was the TUF season 11 winner and holds a professional MMA record of 13-3 with a 3-2 UFC showing.  Court signed with Paradigm just weeks before his last bout with Nick Ring, however the move was not announced to avoid any potential distraction.  Court was recently featured in an ESPN story called Dead Man Fighting: The Court McGee Story.  “I signed with Paradigm Sports Management because I feel like they have a high level of professionalism and because they are willing to negotiate our contractual agreements to my liking.  Also I feel Paradigm Sports Management has an ethical approach towards procuring endorsement deals that will help financially secure my families future,” The Crusher said of Paradigm.

Ramsey and Court both fight out of The Pit Elevated training facility in Orem, Utah under veteran MMA coach John Hackelman.  Coach Hackelman was the coach of UFC Hall of Famer Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, in addition to many other top MMA fighters. 

In 2012, Paradigm MMA Management has added 5 more UFC fighters to its client roster.  The company continues to grow as a strong player in the business of MMA fighter representation after entering the sport 13 months ago.  Paradigm President and founder Audie Attar said this about Ramsey and Court, “We are pleased in having the opportunity to work with two great athletes; with the drive, focus and dedication to take their craft to the next level.  What’s even more exciting, these two men are great young leaders with high character and integrity. We are very excited to work with these two.”