With the debut of the UFC Ultimate Fighter 10 tonight on Spike TV, I thought I would give my top five picks for who will walk away from the reality show as champion. This years cast of fighters features former NFL stars, past UFC fighters and the Elite XC headliner Kimbo Slice.
#1: Roy “Big Country” Nelson
Roy Nelson made his biggest splash thus far in mixed martial arts during his run in the International Fight League, where he was the IFL Heavyweight Champion. When in the International Fight League, Roy Nelson fought UFC fighters Ben Rothwell, Fabiano Scherner and Brad Imes. Following the destruction of the International Fight League a few years ago, Roy Nelson fought in Elite XC, losing to former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski. Roy Nelson’s biggest advantage in the UFC Ultimate Fighter 10 will be his striking skills, which helped him gain six knockout victories.
#2: Wes “A Whole Show” Sims
Wes Sims has fought previously in the UFC, losing twice to Frank Mir (UFC 43 & UFC 46) and once to Mike Kyle (UFC 47). In fact, Wes Sims lost his first fight to Frank Mir in an odd fashion, when he was disqualified for stomping on a downed opponent. Since his exile from the UFC after UFC 47, Wes Sims has fought in promotions like Hook N’ Shoot, International Fight League, TKO and FCFS MMA. Wes Sims enters the reality show on a three fight winning streak, but his next professional fight will be a whole year since his last MMA fight. Wes Sims is a well rounded fighter, which will suit him well for stand up fights and fights on the ground.
#3: Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson
Easily the most hyped fighter, Kimbo Slice has an opportunity to enter a promotion that once vowed to never have him in as a fighter. Kimbo Slice enters the reality show after a well pushed run in Elite XC, where he fought Bo Cantrell, Tank Abbott, James Thompson and Seth Petruzelli. Kimbo Slices biggest weakness will be his lack of wrestling ability, which could haunt him when he takes on more experienced wrestlers in the program. Kimbo Slice used to be a street fighter and those tactics will be his biggest tool if he wants to win the reality show and get into the UFC.
#4: Mike Wessel
Mike Wessel has fought once before in the UFC, losing to heavyweight contender Antoni Hardonk by TKO at UFC 92. That loss was the only one of Mike Wessel’s career thus far, which also includes six victories that spanned over a year. It will have been way longer than a year since Mike Wessel competed in a professional MMA fight, which could hurt him if he makes it to the finals. Mike Wessel is also a relative newcomer to MMA, having competed in the sport for less than two years when the program airs. Mike Wessel’s biggest strength to gain the contract will be his striking skills, which helped him garner half of his career victories.
#5: Scott “Punk Haole” Junk
Like reality show cast mates Mike Wessel and Wes Sims, Scott Junk has also fought before in the UFC, losing to Christian Wellisch at UFC 76. Scott Junk started off his MMA career in impressive fashion, fighting former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ricco Rodriquez at Rumble On The Rock 7 in May 2005. Scott Junk has only fought one time in the past two years, which could lead to some issues when he steps into the octagon on the program. Scott Junk’s biggest strength when entering the reality show will be his striking ability, which has helped him win the majority of his fights.
You can contact David Tees at bigtees360@yahoo.com
