UFC and MMA Light Heavyweight Fighters

Nickname: The Truth
D.O.B.: 10/10/1977
Town of birth: Norfolk, Virginia
Weight:205LB/93KG
Height: 6’3”
MMA Record: 9 – 2
Team/Association: Alliance MMA
Fighting out of: San Diego, California

Brandon Vera's first taste of martial arts came in the form of wrestling, which earned him a university scholarship. Feeling that the academic route did not fit well, Vera left school a year and a half later to join the US Air Force, earning a spot on its wrestling squad. A serious elbow injury resulted in a medical discharge, but Brandon would eventually recover enough to get back into the game, competing at submission wrestling events.

It was at one of these events that Brandon ran into Lloyd Irvin, who was impressed with Vera's abilities. Through Irvin, Vera began training for mixed martial arts and honed his muay thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills. After a few successful bouts in smaller organizations, Brandon moved to San Diego to become a trainer at Mark Dion's City Boxing training facility alongside kickboxing legend Rob Kaman.

After only four fights, Brandon Vera made his UFC debut at Ultimate Fight Night 2 in 2005 by defeating Fabiano Scherner with a barrage of knees. He would follow this up with three quick wins - first round knockouts and submissions including a violent 1 minute knockout of former UFC heavyweight champ Frank Mir.

Contractual disputes would leave Brandon sidelined for nearly a year, and resulted in a messy split between Vera and manager Mark Dion. Returning in October of 2007, Vera suffered a disappointing decision loss to Tim Sylvia after breaking his hand in the first. This was followed by a quick stoppage loss to Fabricio Werdum. Long criticized for being a small heavyweight, Vera would then cut down to 205 and win a sluggish decision over UFC newcomer Reese Andy.

Nickname: The Dean of Mean
Town of birth: Butte, Montana
Weight:205LB/93KG
Height: 6’2”
MMA Record: 13 – 4
Team/Association: Jackson's Submission Fighting
Fighting out of: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Keith Jardine's need for competition took him from coaching football to playing rugby and entering wrestling competitions without any proper training. With a mind to try his had at mixed martial arts, Keith started training with Greg Jackson in 2000, earning a black belt in Jackson's discipline of Gaidojutsu.

An 8-1-1 record in promotions such as King of the Cage, M-1, and Pancrase earned him a shot on the second season of the Ultimate Fighter as a heavyweight, where he was given a by into the semi-finals where he lost to the show's winner and future teammate Rashad Evans.

Despite losing on the Ultimate Fighter, Jardine then pulled together an impressive string of fights in the UFC, defeating Kerry Schall, Mike Whitehead, Wilson Gouveia, and Forrest Griffin. One loss during this period was a controversial decision to Stephan Bonnar that most consider a win for Keith.

Following his knock out of Forrest Griffin, Jardine's career became somewhat erratic with a brutal loss to unknown fighter Houston Alexander, a split decision win over Chuck Liddell, and another quick and brutal loss to Wanderlei Silva.

D.O.B.: 03/22/1972
Weight: 205lb/93kg
Height: 6'0"
Fighting style:
MMA Record: 7-1-0-1
Fighting out of: Omaha, NE

Houston Alexander is an American mixed martial artist, currently fighting at light heavyweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is also a well-known hip-hop artist in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Alexander made his UFC debut at UFC 71 on May 26, 2007 against Keith Jardine. He KO'd Jardine in 48 seconds during the first round. A newcomer to the UFC, his stunning knockout victoy over rising star Keith Jardine shocked many, giving him the dub, Houston "We Have A Problem" Alexander among his fans. He now trains full-time; three times a day and seven days a week. Alexander has signed a new 3-fight contract with the UFC. His next scheduled fight will be against Alessio Sakara at UFC 75.

Alexander, aka Scrib or FAS/ONE, has long been a bastion of Omaha's underground hip hop scene. In the 1980s he led a hip hop movement in North Omaha called the Scribble Crew as an alliance of graffiti writers who developed a reputation as the top tag artists in the area. The art stands today at 24th and Binney Streets, to 16th and Corby Streets, and other North Omaha locations, and is still respected by the community. His Midwest Alliance act was active through the 1990s and into the new millennium, and is seen as influential on the Omaha scene. Today Alexander is a DJ on KOPW 106.9, a local radio station in Omaha. He hosts an independent music show featuring hip hop. he facilitates an elementary school program that teaches students about hip hop called the "Culture Shock School Tour".

D.O.B.: 12/17/1969
Weight:205LB/93KG
Height: 6’2”
Fighting style: Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling
MMA Record: 20 – 4 - 0
Team: Pit Team
Fighting out of: San Luis Obispo, California

Chuck Liddell is a mixed martial artist who currently fights for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Liddell has an extensive background in Kickboxing and collegiate wrestling. He is associated with the Pit team and recently earned a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Because of his relaxed "hands-down" stance and the various angles from which he throws punches, many within the MMA community have labelled Liddell's style "unorthodox". He was a four-year starter on the football team at San Marcos High School, and Liddell is noted within MMA circles for his exceptional takedown defense.

Liddell began his fighting career when he defeated Noe Hernandez on May 15, 1998. By 2002, Liddell was considered the number one contender for the UFC light heavyweight title with growing popularity and support from fans. The UFC tried to arrange a title bout with then champion Tito Ortiz but Ortiz kept citing scheduling conflicts which frustrated the UFC brass. To force Ortiz's hand, they created an Interim Light Heavyweight Championship and matched Liddell with experienced former heavyweight Randy Couture at UFC 43 for that title. This was a fight that many thought Chuck should win, and it was expected that he would then go on to fight Orti. However, Couture neutralized Chuck's trademark powerful looping hooks with crisp straight punches and he eventually began taking Chuck down at will. Couture eventually gained full mount and forced a referee stoppage due to strikes.

After this defeat, Liddell went to Japan to compete in the PRIDE 2003 Middleweight Grand Prix tournament as the UFC's representative. After defeating Alistair Overeem in the first round of the tournament, Liddell was eliminated from the Grand Prix by Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the semi-finals in a one sided affair, losing by technical knockout after Liddell's corner signaled for an end to the bout.

Liddell lost his UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 71 on May 26, 2007 in a rematch against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson due to KO after being dropped by a single right hand. After the loss Liddell was widely criticized after reports indicated he was seen in night clubs the week before the event. He responded that it was nothing he had not done prior to his other fights in Las Vegas.

D.O.B.: 06/08/1971
Weight: 204lb/93kg
Height: 5'9"
Fighting style: Wrestling, Muay Thai
MMA Record: 14-7-1
Fighting out of: Las Vegas, Nevada

Marvin Eastman is a mixed martial arts fighter with a background in both muay thai and wrestling. He is currently the light heavyweight champion in the Elite Fighting Championship. He is also a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. When he is not participating in mixed martial arts, Eastman works as a full-time corrections officer.

Eastman debuted in MMA with King of the Cage in June of 2000, where he went 3-0 before losing a split decision to Vernon White. After losing to White, Eastman went on to fight former UFC Middleweight champion Rich Franklin at the World Fighting Alliance, where he lost via armbar submission. Eastman rebounded from this loss and won the next two events, defeating Alex Stiebling and Tom Sauer.

Eastman made his UFC debut at UFC 43 against Vitor Belfort, where he lost via technical knockout. He then returned to KOTC to avenge his loss to Vernon White. Following the rematch with White, Eastman was given another shot in the UFC against Travis Lutter, where he lost via knockout.

Eastman made his third appearance in the UFC at UFC 67, losing to Quinton Jackson.

Eastman has one fight left on his UFC contract.

D.O.B.: 02/10/1976
Weight: 205lb/93kg
Height: 5'11"
Fighting style: Boxing, submission wrestling
MMA Record: 7-1-0
Fighting out of: Tulsa, Oklahoma

David Alan Heath is an American mixed martial artists. He currently competes as a light heavyweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He made his UFC debut at UFC 62, where he defeated Cory Walmsley via submission in the first round. His UFC record was extended to 2-0 when he defeated Victor Valimaki at UFC Fight Night 7.

Heath's first and only loss in the UFC came at the hands of Lyoto Machida at UFC 70. Heath was originally slated to fight Forrest Griffin, but Griffin was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a staph infection.

Heath's next fight is scheduled for UFC 74, where he is scheduled to fight Renato Sobral.

D.O.B.: 10/31/1975
Weight: 205lb/93kg
Height: 6'2"
Fighting style: Gaidojutsu, Kickboxing
MMA Record: 12-3-1
Fighting out of: Butte, Montana

Keith Jardine is an American mixed martial arts fighter. He currently fights as a light-heavyweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Jardine made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2001, defeating Amir Rahnavardi via armbar submission. He would win five out of his next six bouts, suffering one knockout loss to Travis Wiuff, before debuting in the Japan's Pancrase organization in 2003. Jardine's bout in Pancrase, with Keiichiro Yamamiya, ended in a draw. Jardine defeated his next two opponents, including a submission win over Red Devil Sport Club fighter Arman Gambaryan. Jardine made his debut with the UFC on the reality TV series the Ultimate Fighter 2, where he was cast as a heavyweight under coach Rich Franklin. Jardine was one of the favorites to proceed to the Heavyweight division's finals, but was not selected to fight until the semi-finals, where he was defeated by eventual season two Heavyweight winner Rashad Evans.

Although Jardine was eliminated from The Ultimate Fighter 2, his tenure with the UFC would continue. Jardine made his first appearance on an official UFC fight card at the TUF 2 Finale, defeating fellow season two Heavyweight Kerry Schall by TKO due to leg kicks. Jardine subsequently dropped down a weight class to the Light-Heavyweight division, and defeated Mike Whitehead, another TUF 2 competitor, by unanimous decision at UFC 57.

At UFC 66, Jardine scored a TKO victory in the first round over winner of The Ultimate Fighter 1, Forrest Griffin. Jardine's next fight was against UFC newcomer Houston Alexander at UFC 71. After having complained about having to face an unknown fighter when he felt he deserved a more high profile match, Jardine was knocked out 48 seconds into the first round after a vicious assault by Alexander.

D.O.B.: 06/03/1975
Weight: 185lb/82kg
Height: 6'2"
Fighting style: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
MMA Record: 19 - 8 - 0
Fighting out of: Edmonton, Alberta

Jason MacDonald is a mixed martial artist who competes in the 185 lb division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Born and raised in Merigomish, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Jason currently resides in Red Deer, Alberta and fights out of Edmonton, Alberta. He is regarded as one of Canada's top middleweight mixed martial artists. He made his UFC debut Oct. 10th, 2006 at Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3: The Final Chapter with a win over TUF 3 finalist Ed Herman via triangle choke in the first round. On December 30, 2006, at UFC 66, MacDonald defeated Chris Leben with a modified guillotine choke submission in the second round. Other notable wins include victories over UFC veterans Joe Doerksen, Gideon Ray (in MacDonald's home province of Nova Scotia), and Bill Mahood. Before fighting in the UFC, Jason had tried out for The Ultimate Fighter reality TV show on multiple occasions, but did not make the cut. It is therefore of note that he is currently 2-0 against participants from The Ultimate Fighter TV show during UFC events.

D.O.B.: 11/11/1981
Weight: 205lb/93kg
Height: 6'1
Fighting style: Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Boxing
MMA Record: 16 - 2 - 0
Fighting out of: Curitiba, Brazil

Mauricio Rua is a mixed martial arts fighter, and the winner of the PRIDE Fighting Championships' 2005 Middleweight (205lb) Grand Prix. He holds notable wins over Ricardo Arona, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Quinton Jackson and Alistair Overeem, and is known for his aggressive fighting style.

Rua fights out of Chute Boxe Academy in Curitiba, Brazil, a Muay Thai training group which features fighters such as Wanderlei Silva and Evangelista Santos. Rua and his older brother Murilo "Ninja" Rua, a fellow Chute Boxe member, are very close, and Mauricio states it was a dream of his for the two to be able to fight on the same card.Mauricio is known for being an example of the new wave of MMA fighters, having mastered both striking skills and having a very well developed ground game, including a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Rafael Cordeiro (2004).

MMAWeekly.com currently ranks Rua as the #1 light heavyweight in the world.

D.O.B.: 09/07/1975
Weight: 205lb/93kg
Height: 6'1"
Fighting style: Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
MMA Record: 27-7-0
Team: Gracie Barra Combat Team
Fighting out of: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Renato Sobral is a mixed martial arts fighter from Brazil, currently fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is a member of the Gracie Barra Combat Team with a professional MMA record of 27 wins and 7 losses, with 14 victories coming by way of submission. Some of his notable achievements include defeating notable fighters Trevor Prangley, Mauricio Rua, Mike Van Arsdale, and Jeremy Horn in a single night at IFC's' 'Global Domination tournament. He also holds wins over Tsuyoshi Kohsaka and Kiyoshi Tamura.

Sobral's background is in wrestling. Before joining the Gracie Barra Combat Team, he trained in Ruas Vale Tudo, a martial arts system developed by the legendary Marco Ruas.

Sobral is known throughout the UFC for his intense and grueling training regimen, which typically involves bench-pressing fellow workout partners, running up the steep mountains of Brazil and swimming 2000 meters in an hour. Babalu's mountain runs are also legendary.

At UFC 62, Sobral was defeated by Chuck Liddell in a bout for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. The match was stopped as a technical knockout at 95 seconds into the first round.

Following his loss to Liddell, "Babalu" faced Jason Lambert at UFC 68. Sobral was knocked out in the second round.

Most recently, Sobral defeated former UFC Heavyweight champion Frank Mir in a special submission grappling superfight at Tuff-N-Uff's "Unarmed Combat" event on June 22, 2007.

His next fight is scheduled for UFC 74 against David Heath.

D.O.B.: 05/20/1978
Weight:205LB/93KG
Height: 6’1”
Fighting style: Submission wrestling
MMA Record: 27 – 6 - 0
Fighting out of: Irvine, California

Quinton Jackson is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter who rose to prominence with his fights in Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships. He is currently the light heavyweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He has a professional record of 27 wins with 6 losses, and has often been seen with his trademark "Rumble Chain" around his neck ringside and before fights. MMAWeekly.com currently has Rampage as the number 2 ranked Light Heavyweight in the world. He is known for both his trademark slams and powerful overhand strikes, as well as for his colourful personality.

Coming into the Japanese promotion as a previously unknown fighter, Jackson was matched at PRIDE 15 against fellow wrestler Kazushi Sakuraba, who was at that time Pride's most prominent domestic fighter. Though taken down repeatedly by the smaller Sakuraba, once on the canvas Jackson refused to be controlled, using his wrestling ability and raw strength to fight off numerous joint-locks and choke attempts from Sakuraba. Repeatedly he elevated Sakuraba off the mat and slammed him down in order to break free from submission holds. An exhausted Jackson eventually succumbed to a rear naked choke from Sakuraba, but his performance opened the eyes of PRIDE's fan base and its executive office both.

After Pride, Jackson signed with the World Fighting Alliance, which was subsequently bought out by the UFC. UFC President Dana White told The Fight Network that Jackson's contract is one of the assets they had acquired. In an interview on Inside the UFC Jackson said it was time for him to enter the UFC, and he hadn't before because of his friendship with Tito Ortiz. Jackson said that because Ortiz was the head fighter in the UFC, he didn't want to ruin that. Jackson made his UFC debut at UFC 67, when he beat Marvin Eastman in a rematch.

At UFC 71, May 26, 2007, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson once again defeated Chuck Liddell by TKO (Strikes) in Round 1 after one minute and fifty-three seconds to become the new UFC Light Heavyweight champion.

D.O.B.: 05/12/1973
Weight: 187lb/84kg
Height: 5'11"
Fighting style: Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing
MMA Record: 12-4-0
Fighting out of: Fort Worth, Texas

Travis Lutter is an American mixed martial arts fighter. He is best known as the winner of the Ultimate Fighter 4 reality TV show. His UFC record is 2-3, having beat Marvin Eastman via knockout at UFC 50, and losing subsequent fights to Matt Lindland (submission) at UFC 52 and Trevor Prangley (unanimous decision) at UFC 54. He currently holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Machado.

Lutter's most recent defeat came at the hands of Anderson Silva at UFC 67. On the day before the fight, Lutter failed to make weight. Lutter weighed in at 187 pounds, failing to meet the required 185 pounds. Because of his inability to make weight, his match with Silva was changed to a non-title bought. Lutter eventually lost the fight to Silva via triangle choke and elbow strikes. Due to his inability to make weight, Lutter will not receive a future title fight as promised to the winner of the Ultimate Fighter 4.

D.O.B.: 05/30/1978
Weight: 205lb/93kg
Height: 6'1
Fighting style: Shotokan Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
MMA Record: 9 - 0 - 0
Fighting out of: Belém, Brazil

Ryoto "Lyoto" Carvalho Machida, is a Japanese-Brazilian professional mixed martial arts fighter. Son of Japanese-Brazilian Shotokan karate master Yoshizo Machida, Lyoto is considered a rising star in MMA, having secured victories over former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin, former UFC Welterweight Champion B.J. Penn, and light heavyweight runner-up of the UFC's The Ultimate Fighter Season 1, Stephan Bonnar. Under the management and tutelage of wrestling legend Antonio Inoki since Inoki discovered him after the Bonnar fight, he has until recently fought primarily in Japan, although he is no longer under Inoki after the closing of his promotions/management firm Inoki Office. In his American debut, Machida defeated Vernon White via unanimous decision at the at WFA: King of the Streets event in Inglewood, California on July 22, 2006. Machida is noted for his semi-orthodox fighting style. Since he is a karate student, it is normal for him to be using an unorthodox (or southpaw) stance. Machida most recently defeated Sam Hoger at UFC 67. Throughout the fight Lyoto dominated Hoger with a barrage of karate punches, kicks and takedowns en route to an unanimous decision victory. After the fight, Lyoto declared "yet another victory for kara-te." His next fight was scheduled against Forrest Griffin at UFC 70, but Griffin is unable to fight due to a staff infection. Instead he fought on April 21 against David Heath.

D.O.B.: 01/23/1975
Weight:205LB/93KG
Height: 6’2”
Fighting style: Submission wrestling
MMA Record: 15 – 5 - 1
Team: Team Punishment
Fighting out of: Huntington Beach, California

Ortiz began his martial arts career as a wrestler in his sophomore year of high school. Under coach Paul Herrera, Ortiz came fourth in the state high school championships as a senior. Following high school, Ortiz continued his wrestling career winning a California state junior college title for Golden West College. Following his stint at Golden West, Ortiz wrestled at Cal State Bakersfield. Ortiz trained with future NCAA and world champion Stephen Neal.

His mixed martial arts debut was at UFC 13 in 1997. Still in college, Ortiz competed as an amateur for no prize money or contracts. He beat Wes Albittron on the tournament's first round by referee stoppage, but lost in the next round to Guy Mezger.

In 1999 Ortiz fought Frank Shamrock for the UFC Middleweight (200 pound) title at UFC 22, losing via submission due to strikes. Following the victory, Shamrock retired and vacated the championship. The Middleweight title was renamed the Light Heavyweight title and Ortiz was chosen, along with Wanderlei Silva, as a top contender. Ortiz won the title fight at UFC 25 via unanimous decision. He went on to defend the belt five times in the following three years, defeating Yuki Kondo, Evan Tanner, Elvis Sinosic, Vladimir Matyushenko and Lion's Den head Ken Shamrock.

Ortiz next fought the new Interim Light Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture, who had defeated Liddell for the interim title, at UFC 43 in September 2003. Couture defeated Ortiz via unanimous decision, adding insult to injury by literally spanking the younger fighter in the ring.

Following his loss to Randy Couture, Ortiz faced Chuck Liddell at UFC 47. Ortiz lost by second round knockout. After six months off, Ortiz returned and took a unanimous decision victory over newcomer Patrick Cote at UFC 50, and a split decision over Vitor Belfort at UFC 51. In February 2005, Ortiz began time away from the UFC and was offered deals with several promotions, including PRIDE Fighting Championships and the Don King-backed World Fighting Alliance, but none came to fruition.

Ortiz returned to the UFC on April 15th, 2006, at UFC 59 against Ultimate Fighter 1 winner Forrest Griffin. Ortiz won via split decision.

D.O.B.: 09/02/1981
Weight: 205lb/93kg
Height: 6’2”
Fighting style: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing
MMA Record: 15-5-0-1
Fighting out of: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Alessio Sakara is an Italian mixed martial arts fighter, currently competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship's (UFC) Light Heavyweight division.

When Sakara was five, he began to play football (soccer) as a midfielder. Sakara began training in boxing after realizing that, in order to be a football player on a professional level, he needed to know how to defend himself in case of a confrontation on the field. Initially, Sakara continued to play football and box, but after being penalized for fighting during a football tournament, he decided that he couldn't continue boxing and football.

After two years of training, Sakara competed in his first boxing tournament and won. Several years after turning professional in boxing, a friend showed him a video of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Sakara drew inspiration. To supplement his training, he traveled to Brazil where he met Roberto Almeida Meneguetti, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.Template:Face The two athletes cross-trained together, with Sakara teaching Meneguetti boxing and Meneguetti teaching Sakara jiu-jitsu.

Alessio has amassed a 15-5-1 record, with one no contest ruling, in mixed martial arts and has participated in five UFC events. His last fight was at UFC 70 in Manchester, England, where he defeated Canadian fighter Victor Valimaki via TKO.

His next fight will be against Houston Alexander at UFC 75 on September 8, 2007 in London, England.

Age: 42
Weight: Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)
Height: 6 ft 1 in
Fighting style: Pankration, Kickboxing
MMA Record: 28 – 4 – 1
Fighting out of: Los Angeles, California

Born in the Netherland, Bas Rutten is a MMA legend. Not only has he been one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history, but he has also transitioned his career into a successful media personality.

He began his fighting as a Muay Thai kickboxer, putting together a record of 14 – 1. His MMA career started in the Pancrase organization in Japan, spanning 5 years and 30 fights.

He entered the UFC at UFC 18 in 1999, knocking out Tsuyoshi Kohsaka in the first round (the time was 14:15, as the UFC had 15 minute rounds at the time). He then fought Kevin Randleman for the UFC heavyweight Championship at UFC 20, winning a unanimous decision victory.

Rutten then vacated the title due to extensive injuries to his knees and biceps, ending his MMA career. He transitioned into cooler commentary as the English hos for the PRIDE FC organization, and became a favorite amongst MMA fans. He also composed many books and videos relating to MMA training and technique.

He has had one comeback fight since retiring; in 2006 he defeated Ruben Villareal by KO at the WFA – King of the Streets event in Los Angeles.

Weight: Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)
Height: 5 ft 7 in
Fighting style: Wrestling
MMA Record: 11 – 2 – 0
Fighting out of: Bulgaria

A relatively unknown Bulgarian wrestling aficionado, Jordan Radev came to the UFC through the 2 hot 2 handle organization of out of Holland. Being a wrestler, the competition in the Netherlands acquires a mandatory ability to defend against Muay thai kickboxing which is well rooted in Holland.

Radev’s UFC debut came at UFC Fight Night 10 in June of 2007 against Andrew Mcfedries, where he lost by a savage 1st round TKO.

He was subsequently suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commision until he can gain medical clearance to fight again.

He is expected to make his return to the octagon at UFC 79 in December of 2007.

D.O.B.: April 4th, 1977
Weight: Class: Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)
Height: 6 ft 3 in
Fighting style: Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
MMA Record: 10 - 4
Fighting out of: Chicago, Illinois

Stephan Bonnar began his mixed martial arts career in 2001 amassing a 6 – 1 record, with no fights leaving the first round.

Bonnar gained his mass popularity as a contestant on the inaugural season of Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter reality series, where he lost a very close split decision to Forrest Griffin.

UFC president Dana White was so impressed by his performance that he awarded Bonnar a six figure contract with the UFC. He went on to win three straight bouts in the UFC, becoming the cornerstone of Spike TV’s Ultimate Fight Night series until eventually losing a close majority decision to then undefeated Rashad Evans. He doubled up his losses with another tight unanimous decision defeat to Forrest Griffin.

After that bout, Bonnar tested positive for an anabolic steroid and was subsequently suspended for 9 months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

He was reinstated in July of 2007 and had his first fight at UFC 73: Stacked against 5 – 1Jiu Jitsu expert Mike Nickels. He won by Rear Naked Choke in the first round, solidifying his comeback to the UFC.

Bonnar is currently scheduled to face Eric "Red" Schafer at UFC 77 on October 20th, 2007.

D.O.B.: September 20th, 1977
Weight: Light heavyweight (205 lbs)
Height: 6 ft 3 in
Fighting style: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
MMA Record: 7 -2 - 2
Fighting out of: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Born in Fond Du Lac Wisconsin, Eric Schafer cut his teeth In the Midwest Shootfighting tournaments in the late 1990’s. As his record stacked up he moved on to the HooknShoot tourneys, and then onto Xtreme Fighting Organization events, where he was crowned the XFO Light heavyweight Champion in 2006.

He made his UFC debut in August of 2006 at UFC 62 – Liddell vs Sobral where he submitted Canadain Wrestler and fellow Jiu Jitsu expert Rob Macdonald by Submission in the first round.

He fought four months later at UFC 66 – Liddell vs Ortiz II, Losing to The Ultimate Fighter 3 Champion and undefeated Michael Bisping by TKO in the first round.

Schafer is currently scheduled to face TUF alumni Stephan Bonnar at UFC 77 on October 20th, 2007.

Nickname: Sugar
Born: September 25, 1979
Weight Class: Light Heavyweight
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Fighting Style: Wrestling, Boxing
MMA Record: 10 – 0 – 1
Team: Jackson’s Submission Fighting
Fighting out of: Lansing, Michigan

Winner of The Spike Reality Series The Ultimate Fighter 2 as a heavyweight, this undefeated fighter currently fights in the light heavyweight division of the UFC.

A high school wrestler and two way football player, Evans won his first five MMA fights before being selected to compete in The Ultimate Fighter show.

After defeating Sam Hoger to win the Ultimate Fighter 2 heavyweight Championship, Evans went on to beat Sam Hoger, Stephan Bonnar and Jason Lambert before making highlight reels all over the globe with a savage head kick KO of Sean Salmon at UFC Fight Night 8 on SPIKE TV.

After his string of impressive performances, he was awarded a shot at UFC legend Tito Ortiz at UFC 73 – Stacked. In a lack luster showdown that brought on boos from the crowd, Ortiz and Evans fought to a draw. It should be noted that Ortiz had one point taken away from him for repeatedly grabbing the cage to avoid take downs during the fight.

Evans is now scheduled to fight fellow undefeated fighter Michaels Bisping at UFC 78, the winner will receive a title shot against Quinton Jackson.

Nickname: The Punisher
Born: Sept 23rd, 1977
Weight Class: Light Heavyweight
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Fighting Style: Freestyle Fighter
MMA Record: 23 7 0
Team: North County Fight Club
Fighting out of: Apple Valley, California

A veteran of King of the Cage and Galdiator Challenge promotions, Lambert made his way to the UFC throught the UFC owned WEC, where he won a submission victory in 2005. His first UFC match was at UFC 58 USA vs Canada, where he was a last minute replacement for an injured fighter. He went on to win three straight fights in the octagon, none of which were shown on live PPV broadcasts.

He made it into the big show at UFC 63, where he lost by TKO to Rashad Evans. He got redemption 6 months later with a shocking upset victory over Ranato Sobral. He was scheduled to fight Wilson Gouveia at UFC 76, but Gouveia had to reschedule due to injury, and the two faced off at UFC 80, where Lambert lost by vicious KO in the second round.

Born: October 3, 1978
Weight Class: Light Heavyweight
Height: 6 ft 1 in
Fighting Style: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai
MMA Record: 9 4 0
Team: American Top Team
Fighting out of: Coconut Creek, Florida

Born in Fortaleza, Brazil Gouveia now fights and trains with American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. Gouveia has a 4-1 record in the UFC and is currently on a four fight winning streak inside the octagon.

His UFC debut came at the The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale where he lost a unanimous decision to Keith Jardine. Since then, hes defeated Wes Combs at UFC 62, Seth Petruzelli at UFC Fight Night 9, Carmelo Marrero at UFC 71 and Jason Lambert, who he KOd at UFC 80 and was awarded the knockout of the night for his efforts.