The UFC released four fighters from its roster yesterday: Mizuto Hirota (0-2 UFC), John Albert (1-4 UFC), Ben Alloway (1-2 UFC) and Azamat Gashimov (0-2 UFC). With a combined record of 2-10, it’s not difficult to see why these four fighters were released from the big time, although I expect all four to find work in lower-level shows. Al Iaquinta vs Anthony Njokuani, UFC Fight Night 30 After Paul Taylor suffered yet another injury and was forced to retire from MMA, the UFC called on Al Iaquinta to replace him against Anthony Njokuani at next month’s UFC Fight Night 30 card. This is going to be a good fight and if he had a full camp I would favor Iaquinta, but because he’ll only get about five weeks of training I think that Njokuani should open as a small favorite, perhaps in the -150 range. Still, it wouldn’t surprise me if Iaquinta won and continued to move up the ladder as he is an extremely-talented fighter and his performance against Ryan Couture won me over. Kelvin Gastelum vs. Court McGee, UFC on FOX 9 An excellent welterweight matchup between Kelvin Gastelum and Court McGee was added to the loaded UFC on FOX 9 card. This is a fantastic bout and a great piece of matchmaking as well as I expect an extremely-competitive bout between these two former TUF winners. In my eyes, the fight is close to a Pick ’em, but if I had to lean one way I’d probably side slightly with the more-experienced McGee. But it definitely wouldn’t surprise me if Gastelum continued his undefeated streak. Jared Rosholt vs. Walter Harris, TUF 18 Finale A heavyweight matchup between two UFC newcomers was booked for the TUF 18 Finale yesterday as Jared Rosholt will take on Walter Harris. I don’t know much about Harris but I have seen Rosholt fight and I don’t believe he is UFC-calibre yet. I don’t think this is a fight I’ll be betting on myself, although the “Fight Does Not Go The Distance” prop for this one could be interesting. Anthony Perosh vs. Ryan Bader, UFC Fight Night 33 And finally, a light heavyweight matchup between Anthony Perosh and Ryan Bader has been added to UFC Fight Night 33. This is a fun fight and someone is going to sleep here. If I had to guess, it’d be Bader who is the one getting KOed, but his chin is just as questionable as Perosh’s as of late. I’d peg Bader as a solid -250 favorite here with Perosh as a +200 or so underdog, and it wouldn’t surprise me if there was some love for the Aussie this time around.
